May 5 – Piedmont cuisine flies to Hong Kong, where, until May 9, nine companies from the region (5 from the province of Turin, 3 from Cuneo, one from Novara) are taking part in Hofex for the first time. Hofex is one of the most important exhibitions for the food industry in the Asia-Pacific region, and an ideal stage to export into neighboring China. The group, coordinated by the Center for Foreign Internationalization (Ceipiemonte) in collaboration with the Foreign Centre Alpi del Mare (Ceam), will occupy a space of about 80 square meters within the National Stand set up by the Italian Trade Agency. Assistance to companies is assured thanks to the Piedmont integrated chain project for Food Excellence. Hong Kong is a free port and a strategic access hub for Italian agri-food exports into Asia and the Pacific area. During the fair, Piedmont proposes a complete showcase of regional gastronomy: chocolate specialties (Streglio and Nutkao), baked goods and snacks (Grissinificio Europe, Fudex), gourmet coffee (Coffee Giuliano, Eurocaf), rice (La Gallinella), sauces and condiments (Victoria Sac and F.lli Ruata). Hofex, held every two years, is expected to reach this year maximum display capacity, with 65,000 square meters dedicated to some 2,400 companies from all over the world. During the last edition, the fair welcomed 40,000 buyers from the food industry, an impressive number that highlights the importance of the event and the development of the food sector in the region. It’s no coincidence that in 2013 Italian food and beverages exports to Hong Kong amounted to nearly €189 million, for a 5.6% increase over the previous year. In the same year, sector exports to China reached €248 million, with an increase of 11.5% compared to 2012. (Red)
