FHC China 2008, China's leading international food and hospitality trade expo will be held at Shanghai New International Expo Center, Pudong, from tomorrow to Saturday.

The largest event in China for imported food and beverages will showcase a wide range of products including coffee, wine, fresh produce, dairy products, meats, fruit, vegetables, spices and sauces, processed foods, confectionery, ice cream, snacks, food services equipment and hospitality supplies.

This international food and wine fair has attracted more than 800 companies from 85 countries and regions including Spain, Italy, New Zealand, Japan and even Ecuador among others.

"The big difference from other food expos in China is that this is a truly international food fair," said Brendan Jennings, general manager of China International Exhibition Ltd, the show organizer.

"With more than 98 percent of all exhibitors being international companies or agents for international principals, visitors are guaranteed to meet suppliers of the highest quality imported products in the expo," Jennings said.

It will also showcase official national pavilions from Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Chile, China, Cyprus, Ecuador, France, Germany, Greece, India, Italy, Ireland, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Spain, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, UK and USA.

A host of exciting events and activities will be presented during the expo providing unique training opportunities for chefs and other professionals including culinary arts shows, a wine tasting seminar, an ice cream training session, live chocolate demonstration, 2008 Chinese Pizza Championship and many others.

The Wine Theater will offer food and beverage customers tasting of wines from all over the world tomorrow, while Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation representative and wine master Jeremy Oliver will present some of the best of his country's wines.

The Ice Cream Theater, which is new this year, will show visitors the art of Italian gelato and specialist ice cream technology, presented by Carpigiani master chef Luciano Ferrari, and others.

In addition, a special area is dedicated to showcase all kinds of high-quality olive oil from around the world.

Coffee is another highlight with over 40 specialist ingredient and machine companies in the exhibition. Coffee companies are centered on the Ultimate Barista Challenge where 23 baristas will compete to provide the best lattes, espressos and frappes.

Spain and Italy, two biggest delegations in the expo, will present their world-famed culinary art and food product, such as cheese, pasta, tapas, wine, coffee and olive oil.

"It is the only exposition that appeals to your senses," Jennings said.

"Exhibits look good, smell good, taste good and then make you feel good."

(Shanghai Daily December 3, 2008)