Leeuwenburgh and Kuah all excited over the upcoming Food and Hotel Malaysia 2022 (FHM 2022) trade show – the first edition since the Covid-19 pandemic.
THE Food and Hotel Malaysia 2022 (FHM 2022) trade show is back for its 16th edition after a two year hiatus – providing an avenue for industry players to reconnect and return to business as before.
Also known as Malaysia’s premier trade-only food and hospitality exhibition, the event will be held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) from March 29 to April 1.
The four-day event aims to facilitate new business connections, as well as push innovations in the food and hospitality community. It is expected to draw 200 participating brands and companies, and 8,000 trade buyers.
Gerard Leeuwenburgh, country general manager of Informa Markets Malaysia which organised FHM 2022, said the trade show will be the catalyst to bring back the spark in the industry, with the support of stakeholders and exhibitors.
“We are excited to welcome the food and hospitality community in-person at FHM 2022 after a long hiatus from physical events. Our customers and their buyers tell us there is great appetite and excitement to meet in-person and have high hopes that FHM would succeed.
“The industry is coming back and as Covid-19 has disrupted the supply chain, new solutions should be discussed. Though international participation will be less than the pre-pandemic level, the show should take place. The Malaysian food and hospitality industry has and wants to convene,” he said.
FHM 2022 will feature new elements highlighting plant-based food, Industry 4.0 and biodegradable products – putting more emphasis on hygienic products and services.
For visitors, there will be industry talks, live cooking demonstrations, plant-based food demonstrations as well as the return of special events such as Wine and Spirit, Pastry Innovation Lab and Culinaire Malaysia 2022.
Among the industry players taking part in the event is Unox (Asia) Sdn Bhd, a Malaysian-based Italian manufacturer of commercial ovens and kitchen equipment.
Opening its doors in 1990, Unox broke into the market of professional ovens with its AIR.Maxi technology that guarantees uniform air diffusion using multiple fans.
Unox Customer Experience Asia director Kuah Soo Shang said the brand does not believe in following the crowd.
“In the late 1990s when most companies were outsourcing and relocating production activities, Unox committed to create an industrial system that did not compromise on quality and delivery.
“Our ovens are truly made by Unox, some 95% of components, parts and machines are made in Unox factories. This means we can maximise control over quality and lead time, while continuing to enrich the wealth of expertise,” she said.
The secret to Unox’s success, she added, is the brand’s thorough understanding of customer needs.
“How many times have you invested in a RM50,000 piece of equipment that you never tested?
“So we invented the Unox individual cooking experience, whereby we would allow food service professionals to test our ovens in their kitchen. We also provide our customers with ongoing training support after purchasing Unox’s product,” she said.
In July 2010, Unox set up a branch in Malaysia as a base for the region covering 14 countries, excluding Japan and Australia.
“Over the last 12 years, the Malaysian market has changed a lot especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. The mindset of the kitchen environment has changed from wanting the cheapest or lowest price. Now, food industry operators and professionals are looking for innovative equipment and technology that can help reduce workers and rely on operators,” she said.
At FHM 2022, Unox will be sharing its new technologies with food industry players.
“We can support the industry and take part in sponsorship during the event such as pastry innovation for companies, chefs and competitions.
“This is the first time we are involved in a lot of sponsorship and as long as we have the capacity to do so we will continue to support the local community,” she said
FHM visitors are welcome at the demonstration area run by Unox’s in-house corporate chef who will explain the advantages of its patented hot fridge Evereo, along with its Multi.Day hot vacuum pump (a high temperature vacuum sealing machine). Visitors get to take part in taste tests as well.
There will also be a display of Unox’s Big Plus trolley oven, Cheftop and Bakertop mind maps ovens.
FHM 2022 is now open for visitor registration. Go to www.foodandhotel.com or email fhm.my@informa.com
