Hostex Cape is open for business
It is a hot day in Cape Town and all the action is at Hostex Cape. The first day has seen a steady stream of visitors come through to the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
Exhibitors are showcasing their latest products and services and visitors are here to see how to improve and enhance their hospitality businesses.
Stands have senior management on hand to answer questions and demonstrate what they have brought to show the market.
The SA Chef's Experience, Green Hotel and Wine Circle are three dedicated, specialist areas, interspersed with a wide range of technology, furniture, food, beverages, accessories, cleaning, industrial equipment, bedding, associations and a lot more.
Graham Donet, GM of the South African Chefs Association, says the SA Chef's Experience is going well and they have had a good spread of sponsors and demonstrations.
"Suppliers are featuring new products and the main trend is demonstrating the versatility of products," he notes.
A salon culinaire is currently being judged, with entries from the South African Development Chefs team among others. Abubaker Bagaria, a member of the development team and chef at Sandton Sun, says they were up for over 24-hours working on the delicate and exacting aspic work.
"This is all part of preparing for the Olympics in 2014 and the Culinary World Cup at the end of this year. It is about self-achievement and experience - there is no prize money that can take the place of a gold medal," he enthuses.
Craig Elliot of Unilever Foodsolutions says that while Hostex is a big investment for suppliers, it they have gone all out to support the National Team South Africa and industry's efforts.
"It is about giving back to the industry and building relationships. When you build relationships you sell - people buy from people they like," he says.
They are ready for the By Invitation Only competition that will be taking place on the Mac Brothers stand on Wednesday.
Hostex Cape runs for three days, from Monday 8 to Wednesday 10 March, from 10am to 6pm daily.
Lynn Chamier, Hostex exhibition director, says of the first day's turnout: "We've had a bumper start. The aisles are busy and we are excited about that. We're delighted people are braving the heat wave and coming through to the show. The new areas, like the Greenstuff Village and the Wine Circle are creating a lot of interest. The Global Pizza Challenge is exciting and the competition is underway."
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