Ovens on, spatulas at the ready… | The Planner

3…2…1…Hostex powering Food & Hospitality Africa kicks off with a bang once again as it opens its doors on Sunday, 7 May for three days of trends, innovation and connection with industry decision-makers. Organisers of this all-encompassing trade expo have had their work cut out for them over the last 12 months to meet and surpass the high standards which have become synonymous with the Hostex name. “This year’s exhibitors are truly world-class,” says Nick Sarnadas, Event Director at Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery. “We could not be better prepared, or more excited, to open our doors this Sunday.”The show is to be held at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand.

Two new shows have been added to the five-in-one-show offering this time around, namely The Drinks Cabinet and Contract Furnishing Africa. The Drinks Cabinet was conceived with the ever-growing African beverage market in mind. Craft beers, wines, spirits and ciders will be on display over the three day expo, as well as a diverse range of non-alcoholic beverages including syrups, energy and health drinks.

For the hotel, restaurant and guesthouse market, Contract Furnishing Africa has been introduced, to showcase furnishings for retail stores, hotels of all sizes, guesthouses, restaurants, coffee shops, and bars. Indoor and outdoor furniture, décor, lighting, linen, towelling, floor coverings, wall coverings, interior design, and guest amenities will be showcased. The new feature aims to cover a vitally important sector of the industry.

Renowned chef Reuben Riffel will be demonstrating one of his signature dishes in The Skillery – SACA’s pop-up kitchen and learning hub – and will spending the opening day experiencing everything the show has to offer. This philanthropic chef is a celebrated and respected member of the restaurant/hospitality industry, and his presence is sure to be one of the many highlights of the show. “It is an honour to host Reuben this year, and we can’t wait to find out what surprises he has in store for us” says Nick Sarnadas.

The ever-popular trends-driven and free-to-attend HOST-ED seminar that will run throughout the show and is set to impress and inform with speakers such as Steven Murray, Country Manager at Zomato South Africa, who will be speaking on Monday, 8 May 2017, about taking advantage of and succeeding in changing industries. HOST-ED seminars are geared to reflect all aspects of the hospitality, food and beverage, import/export, retail and wholesale industries, from junior housekeeper or barista to senior executives across the board.

Tea & Coffee Africa returns with caffeinated vengeance, boasting a pot-full of exhibitors appealing to anyone with an interest in growing, selling, brewing or drinking tea or coffee! SCASA’s Barista Championships will also be taking place within the Tea & Coffee arena throughout the course of the expo. In addition to this, and proving that there is always a better pizza than the best you’ve tasted are the competitors in the Global Pizza Challenge, firing up even the most pizza-averse in the crowd!

Don’t forget to pre-register for free at www.foodandhospitalityafrica.co.za