MACAU, Oct. 22 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Winemakers, fine food producers and related equipment suppliers and buyers from around the world are gathering in Macau 22-24 October for the International Wine & Gourmet Foods, Hotel & Foodservice Equipment, Supplies & Services Exhibition (http://www.wineandgourmetasia.com/ ).

The third edition of Wine & Gourmet Asia is held once more at the Cotai Strip Cotai Expo at The Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel. 100 exhibitors from countries and regions such as Australia, Mainland China, France, Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, Philippines, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea and Spain present their finest products from 22 to 24 October 2009. Around 8,000 visitors are expected to create connections and conduct business with the exhibitors over three days. Visitors can get a taste of Spanish, Korean, Macanese, Portuguese and Southeast Asian flavors and wines from the various group pavilions at Wine & Gourmet Asia 2009.

A feature of Wine & Gourmet Asia 2009 is the Hosted Buyers Program. Launched in conjunction with the policies set by local government organizations like Macau Government Tourist Office, Macau Trade and Investment Institute, as well as trade associations such as the Wine Society of Macau. The new buyers program demonstrates the organizers' commitment to providing an all-round trading and networking platform for the regional industry. Buyers who may have found their budgets reduced during this global economic downturn will be glad for the program which provides accommodation and subsidizes transportation fees.

Michael Dreyer, Vice President Asia Pacific of Koelnmesse says, "The different economic situation today means we had to adapt our show format, to focus on our core business to provide a trading platform for the region as well as to highlight the local hospitality industry. We are committed to our goal of boosting business in the regional fine food, wine and hospitality industry, which is why we launched the Hosted Buyers Program. The trade fair is also co-located with the 14th Macau International Trade & Investment Fair for the first time, maximizing visitors' attendance at the exhibition center."

Wine & Gourmet Asia is more than just a trade exhibition; it provides a platform to honor hospitality professionals.

Besides talking business on the exhibition floor, visitors can look forward to being entertained in the bartenders' lounge where the Asian Cocktail Championship is held. Organized for the 3rd time by Koelnmesse and China Hong Kong Bartenders Association, the championship draws many competitors locally and from abroad. Around 100 top bartenders will be coming from as far as Estonia and the Asia region such as Philippines, Korea, Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, Mainland China and Hong Kong.

In addition to the Asian Cocktail Championship, the MORS Gold Pin competition, the Macau Culinary Association Pastry Winning Showpiece and the Inauguration ceremony of the Association of Bartenders & Sommeliers in Macau are held in conjunction with the trade fair. David Wong of the Macau Institute of Tourism Studies says, "This is the third time MORS Gold Pin and the Pastry Winning Showpiece will be holding its full competition at Wine & Gourmet Asia. After co-locating some of our events here for the past two years, we feel that this is indeed the trade fair where most of the regional industry will gather. By holding all segments of the MORS Gold Pin and the Pastry Winning Showpiece Competition within Wine & Gourmet Asia, we can showcase our local hospitality talents to a greater audience."

On top of the usual artistry shown by local chefs at the Macau Culinary Association Winning Showpiece Display, the Macau Culinary Association will be featuring a 'Live' Chocolate Demonstration. Chocolate lovers will be impressed by these pieces of chocolate sculptures, created right before their eyes.

Wine and dine aficionados will be delighted to know there are many chances for wining and dining at Macau's top hotels. The organizer has partnered City of Dreams, Sands Macao, The Venetian Macao and Wynn Macau to offer Wine & Gourmet Asia participants dining privileges at their various establishments. In conjunction with the trade fair, the hotels are also hosting special restaurant promotions for the month of October. The local culinary teams from the partner hotels are first-rate and will definitely provide a memorable dining experience for any gourmand.

Wine & Gourmet Asia is organized by Koelnmesse, organizer of the world's largest food trade show, ANUGA, and is supported by the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute, Macau Government Tourist Office, China Hong Kong Bartender's Association, Institute of Tourism Studies, Macau Culinary Alliance, Wine Society of Macau, Macau Frozen Meat Association, General Merchandise Canned Goods & Wine Merchants' Guild and Hong Kong Chefs Association. It is held for the third time in 2009.

    Photos can be downloaded from ftp://www.koelnmesse.com.sg/WGA-Press/

    Contact:

     Hazel Chan
     Tel:   +853-6274-8509 / +65-9017-3818
     Fax:   +65-6296-2771
     Email: h.chan@koelnmesse.com.sg

     Koelnmesse Pte Ltd
     152 Beach Road
     #25-05 Gateway East
     Singapore 189721
     Singapore
     Tel:     +65-6500-6700
     Fax:     +65-6294-8403
     Email:   info@koelnmesse.com.sg
     Website: http://www.koelnmesse.com.sg

SOURCE Wine & Gourmet Asia 2009

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RELATED LINKS
http://www.wineandgourmetasia.com/
http://www.koelnmesse.com.sg