Official FHC West Closing Press Release , 18 November 2013 at Crowne Plaza Chengdu City Centre Hotel:

Shanghai has been the permanent home of FHC, food and hospitality China trade show for the last 17 years. This year and for the first time the organisers of China’s "global food and wine show" China International Exhibitions, a member of the Allworld Exhibition Network took FHC to Chengdu, capital of Sichuan province for a one day Road Show on 18 November 2013 the week after the FHC China exhibition in Shanghai. Results exceeded expectations for the 65 international companies and distributors that attended FHC West China from 10 countries, confirming this city as the next growth market for international food and wine companies exporting to China. The one day road show attracted 656 buyers from Chengdu and across Western China.

"Every year we have asked the question of where next for FHC in China? What city has the right mix of regional trade centre, rapidly growing economy and international flight connections to multiple foreign destinations. Our research led us to Sichuan and following an invitation by the Chengdu CCPIT, expo bureau FHC West China was born" said Brendan Jennings, General Manager, China  International Exhibitions. " The results have been far better than I dared to hope for with a first time show. What I was most pleased to hear from exhibitors was the high quality of buyers they met and the astounding buying power of many of the visitors" added Jennings.

"We have been busy all day with good quality enquiries. I look forward to the next FHC West and further developing our business in Chengdu and Western China". Tina Chen, Corporate Communications, SINODIS

"Incredible. I have worked in the food distribution business in China for many years but never have I come across such buying power. Not just potential but actual customers with money who are ready to buy. Chengdu and Western China is certainly the market I will concentrate on for the future". Gerd Saalfrank, General Manager, Liside Shanghai

"We distribute Italian products throughout Western China and FHC West is the first professionally organised exhibition that has ever been held here. I have seven Italian companies with me today and all are very satisfied with results. I look forward to the next FHC West in 2014 when I will present food and wine products from at least 25 Italian companies. " Augusto Bordini, General Manager, Marchet, Agency of Ancona Chamber of Commerce, Chengdu Office.

FHC West China was inaugurated by Mu Tao, Director Chairman, Chengdu Municipal Bureau of Expositions, CCPIT. Mu Tao reiterated his strategy for inviting FHC to Chengdu was to build a major international food and wine trade show in Western China in the Autumn of every year. A show he hopes that will one day rival the 2,000 strong exhibitors that attend the annual FHC China show in Shanghai.

Exhibitors at FHC West also had the opportunity to gain market information on the Chengdu and Sichuan market buy attending a series of market research seminars that took place alongside the trade show. Presentations were made by the Investment division of CCPIT; Sichuan Hospitality Industry Association; Chengdu Tourism Administration; Chengdu Retailers Association; Chengdu Municipal Logistics Office and the Qingyang Cuisine Association.

FHC West was attended by representative of US Agricultural Trade Office; UK Trade and Investment; IVEX Chamber of Commerce for Valencia, Spain; UBI France; Italian Trade Commission; European Chamber of Commerce; Canadian Trade Commission and the Hungarian Consulate, Chongqing.  Without exception all praised the results from the one day road show and confirmed their support for the return of FHC West China in 2014.

China International Exhibitions confirm that FHC West China will take place again in Chengdu week commencing 17th November 2014, the week following on from FHC China in Shanghai from 12-14 November 2014. Once again allowing many companies the opportunity to extend their visit to China and FHC China by a few days to join FHC West China in Chengdu and develop their business in therapidly expanding West China market for imported food and wines.

For more information visit www.fhcwestchina.com