The Italian Exhibition Group’s (IEG) international growth strategy is continuing with IEG Asia Pte Ltd acquisition of the F&B titles – the Speciality Food & Drinks Asia, Speciality Coffee & Tea Asia and Food2Go – from Montgomery Asia. The deal, announced in late December, bolsters IEG Asia’s commitment to the F&B landscape in the ASEAN markets.
Taking place 26-28 June 2024 at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Singapore, the three events will co-locate alongside the inaugural edition of SIGEP Asia, IEG’s International Trade Show of Artisan Gelato, Pastry, Bakery, Coffee & Tea, held in conjunction with the 5th Restaurant Asia, the International Restaurant, Kitchen and Culinary Equipment & Supplies Exhibition.
This amalgamation of shows marks a pivotal moment in the F&B industry in the region, bringing leading shows all under one roof. IEG says the convergence will offer a comprehensive showcase of the latest trends and innovations, and a platform for networking through receptions, conferences, masterclasses, and demonstrations on the show floor.
The events will be bolstered further by an exclusive hosted buyers’ programme, (Buyer X).
Christopher McCuin, managing director of Montgomery Asia, said: “Since launching this event in 2017 our aim has been to deliver the very best of global gourmet, craft, and speciality F&B products to the Singapore and S.E. Asia markets. We are proud to have delivered exactly that. The Singapore F&B event space is extremely busy and we believe that the coming together of these events will help consolidate this exciting marketplace.”
Corrado Peraboni, CEO of IEG, commenting on the acquisition, said the move marked a significant advancement for the Group on the global scene. “Over the past few years, we have deepened our commitment to organising B2B events in fields which we are notably strong, with a particular focus on the growing food and beverage sector,” he said. “The events we hold in Singapore are strategically positioned within this key business hub in Asia, offering access to vital markets that are crucial for the growth of the food sector. This positioning greatly enhances the value of our IEG fairs, bolstered by the extensive network of companies and operators we have incorporated through this acquisition. These efforts align with our mission to become a global community catalyst.”
Francesco Santa, international business development director at IEG, said the synergy of these events under the IEG umbrella would “align perfectly” with IEG’s mission to deliver an extraordinary experience for all stakeholders. “This strategic expansion is a a step forward in our unwavering commitment to excellence in the F&B and hospitality industries”.
“In less than a year since its inception on 1 March 2023, IEG Asia has grown its portfolio of events, especially in the F&B industry. I have every confidence that together, these events will set a new benchmark for boutique trade exhibitions in Singapore and ASEAN’s F&B arena,” added Ilaria Cicero (pictured), chief executive officer of IEG Asia.
Regarding IEG’s most recent expansion in Asia, the first edition of SIGEP China organised by IEG China in partnership with Koelnmesse, held in 2023 in the city of Shenzhen, will be followed by the second edition, 24-26 April 2024, at Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Center (Futian), simultaneously with Anuga Select China, the main food exhibition in southern China organised by Anuga/Koelnmesse.
