Inaugural SIGEP Asia Opens with Fanfare Alongside the 5th Edition of Restaurant Asia

The Sands Expo & Convention Centre at Marina Bay Sands buzzed with excitement as the inaugural SIGEP Asia and the 5th edition of Restaurant Asia kicked off with grand fanfare. The prestigious event, graced by Guest of Honour Ms. Low Yen Ling, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Trade and Industry & Ministry of Culture, marked a significant three-day gathering for F&B industry players and trade visitors from Singapore, ASEAN, and around the world.

Addressing Manpower Challenges with FABjobs

During the opening ceremony, the Restaurant Association of Singapore (RAS) launched the F&B Industry Jobs Portal, FABjobs, to tackle ongoing manpower challenges in the industry. FABjobs is dedicated solely to the F&B sector, offering an employer-centric approach that allows companies to customize and highlight their unique employee value propositions, aiming to attract local talent to the industry. This initiative underscores RAS’s commitment to addressing manpower issues and enhancing career attractiveness in the F&B sector.

SIGEP Asia: A New Chapter for a Renowned Trade Show

SIGEP Asia, the new satellite trade show of the internationally renowned SIGEP World in Rimini, is presented by IEG Asia, a subsidiary of Italian Exhibition Group S.p.A. With a 45-year history of inspiring the foodservice community, SIGEP is a global reference point for the dolce foodservice industry, offering exclusive insights into future trends, unexplored tastes, and technological advancements. The event, held from June 26 to 28, 2024, brought together 10,000 trade visitors, buyers, and over 300 exhibitors from 30 countries.

A Mega Platform for F&B Excellence

Held in conjunction with the 5th edition of Restaurant Asia, SIGEP Asia co-located with IEG Asia’s recently acquired series of F&B trade shows: Speciality Food & Drinks Asia (SFDA), Speciality Coffee & Tea Asia (SCTA), and Food2Go. This mega platform promised an expansive three-day program for trade visitors and buyers.

Attendees had the rare opportunity to meet masters and chefs from Italy and the region at the SIGEP Sessions, which featured intense masterclasses and demonstrations on gelato, artisanal breads, gourmet desserts, pizza, and beverage pairing with fine dining. Notable experts included Matteo Cunsolo, President of the Richemont Club Italy; Eduardo Villar, Vice President of the International Union of Bakers & Confectioners; and Chef Antonio Danise of the Italian Federation of Chefs.

Highlights and Strategic Partnerships

Key highlights included the RAS Leadership Symposium 2024, themed ‘Building Your Dream Culture,’ headlined by Will Scott, Author & Founder of The Culture Fix. The ASEAN Restaurant Associations Alliance (ARAA) Board Meeting aimed to strengthen relationships and opportunities within ASEAN, presenting a gateway to new markets and supply chains.

The International Food & Beverage Association (IFBA) and IEG Asia announced a strategic partnership for SIGEP Asia 2024, providing a dynamic platform for idea exchange, networking, and celebrating sector achievements. IFBA will host its Roundtable 2024, focusing on leadership and innovation.

The Singapore Coffee Association staged the Singapore National Coffee Championship (SNCC), presenting four competitions: the Singapore National Barista Championship, Singapore National Latte Art Championship, Singapore National Brewers Cup, and the Singapore Cup Tasters Competition. Winners will represent Singapore at the World Coffee Championship 2025 in Milan.

Technology & Innovation Pavilion and Hosted Buyers’ Programme

The Technology & Innovation Pavilion and Sandbox showcased new technologies aimed at enhancing F&B operations and contributing to a sustainable future. The hosted buyers’ programme connected top-level decision-makers in the foodservice sector across ASEAN and APAC, facilitating bespoke B2B meetings tailored to specific business needs.

Networking and Cultural Exchange

The event featured a Chef’s Table by-invitation luncheon, fostering networking among senior F&B industry leaders from Singapore and ASEAN. The Italian Trade Agency participated with a dedicated Lounge, and the Italian Chamber of Commerce Singapore partnered with IEG Asia to strengthen ties between Italy and Asia’s culinary industries. SIGEP Asia was also supported by Singapore Airlines as its Official Airline and Hotel Planner as its Official Accommodation Partner.