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 Chinese cuisine challenge at Hotelex Hotelex is one of the biggest international exhibitions in the world dedicated to hospitality equipment, products and services. Held in Shanghai, China March 29 to April 1, 2021, the attendees were mainly professional buyers from the hospitality, foodservice and supermarket industries. Canadian Beef International Institute (CBII) China sponsored the first Chinese Cuisine Challenge during Hotelex Shanghai. The competition was organized by Hotelex along with the Shanghai Restaurants Cuisine Association (SRCA) and the World Association of Chefs Societies (WACS). The committee members of the competition included a number of well-known Chinese master chefs, executive chefs from Michelin restaurants and members of the Elite Catering Management Association.  Over four days of competition, the Canadian beef brand was showcased to more than 120,000 professionals from the hospitality and catering value chain. The Canadian beef advantage was introduced to the 262 professional Chinese Cuisine chef competitors via promotional materials and training sessions before the competition. Canadian beef short ribs were the preferred cut by most of the participants and judges. Many chefs showed interest in Canadian beef, requesting supplier contact information and additional product information following the competition. The competition was a good way to introduce Canadian beef to the high-end Chinese cuisine market. By showcasing the brand and quality while leveraging the influence of Chinese culinary experts, we were able to provide an impressive product presentation to the purchasing managers and decision-makers in the audience. China/Hong Kong COVID-19 update The new wave of COVID-19 which began at the Nanjing airport on July 20 has spread to 22 cities in 10 provinces; travel restrictions and inspections have been tightened in many cities. The unexpected outbreak caused the tourism season to be paused during peak summer months and will further impact foodservice sales in these areas. While pork prices are falling, beef and mutton prices remain high. Demand for beef remains strong although growth in imports has slowed in recent months as beef prices have risen. Hong Kong's GDP rose 7.5% year over year (YOY) in the second quarter of 2021. After a strong start in 2021, Hong Kong's economic recovery has maintained its rapid pace. Thanks to the containment of the coronavirus pandemic, local consumption has gradually improved. Economic recovery is still challenged as tourism has not recovered due to uncertainty of the lifting of quarantine policy between Hong Kong and the mainland / Macao. Taiwan COVID-19 updates The Taiwanese government lowered national restrictions from level 3 to level 2 (out of four levels) until August 23. The level 2 restrictions mean restaurants are allowed to operate dine-in service with social distancing and all seated tables must have dividers separating each customer. Up to 50 people are allowed at indoor gatherings with up to 100 people allowed at outdoor gatherings. Trade shows and large events not able to follow social distancing rules or keep within gathering guidelines must cancel or postpone. Although dine-in service is allowed within the regulations, restaurants continue to be pessimistic as indoor dining customers are few and most customers continue to prefer take-out or delivery; many restaurants continue to offer takeout only. Southeast Asia COVID-19 updates With the surge of recent confirmed cases, the Philippine government announced that as of August 6, Metro Manila would return to strict lockdowns for two weeks to curb the spread of the Delta variant. An 8 p.m. curfew was implemented and restaurants can only offer delivery and takeout; the foodservice industry estimates another 30-40% of revenue will be lost because of this third wave lockdown. Another primary southeast Asia market for Canadian beef, Vietnam, is also suffering the return of pandemic. Major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh have been in lockdown since late July with restrictions extended by order until late August. One of the biggest wholesale markets, Hoc Mon Market was shut down due to a large number of confirmed cases of workers in early July; a week later another market was also closed leaving two of the three major wholesale markets now closed. VinMart supermarket, a Canadian beef retail partner, is also facing a temporary shut down at a number of their store outlets due to the wholesale markets closures; those outlets will only be opened when authorities deem they are safe. Back to main page  China and SE Asia team Angie Xu, Deana Keo, Iris Sung, Rachel Zhange |
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