From March 17th to 19th, 2010, Pudong Expo, the new modern exhibition centre managed by GL events, will welcome Gourmet World Shanghai 2010 for its second edition.

This event, staged over three days, is dedicated to gourmet catering and quality hotel services and will bring together decision-makers and key players from all over Asia: chefs at gourmet restaurants, Food & Beverage managers for 4 and 5-star hotels and of major international chains, professionals of the gourmet catering and bakery-pastry industries, gourmet caterers, importers and distributors to the hotel and catering industries…

As part of the trade fair, 80 exhibitors from Europe and Asia will present an extensive range of products and services including the latest innovations in food products, wines, spirits and beverages, cafeteria, supplies and equipment, table art and linen, cooking and pastry schools...

China is a country with a culinary history of worldwide renown. It has a potential market of 200 million people for quality out-of-home catering, of which 10 million are regular clients at gourmet restaurants and boutiques.

In terms of hotel and catering, the Chinese have invested in the top-of-the-range: the country has 500 gourmet and international restaurants as well as more than 1500 hotels boasting 4 and 5 stars.

Over the recent years, Chinese gourmet connoisseurs have shown their appreciation for western food products. A growing and keen interest: between 1995 and 2006, the consumption of dairy products per person has been multiplied by more than four; bakery chains are developing fast so as to satisfy the increasing demand for bakery/pastry. Between 2006 and 2007 the value of Chinese importation of wine increased by 74% (152 % for French wines!), this attests to an immense potential.

Economic capital of China with approximately 25 million inhabitants, Shanghai has the highest GDP per inhabitant of the country. The luxury industry is flourishing and major French brands (such as Dior, Chanel, Hermès, Louis Vuitton…) are well implanted in the city.

In May 2010, Shanghai will host the World Expo for which 70 million visitors are expected. Boosted by the flood of tourists, the city's hotel capacity will be significantly increased: +56 % (from 24000 rooms in 2006 to 37800 rooms in 2010).