The Wine and Gourmet Asia 2008 opened here Wednesday, with the participation of 150 exhibitors from 17 countries.

The Wine and Gourmet Asia was firstly held in 2007 and organized by the Koelnmesse Pte Ltd., which is also the organizer of the world's largest food trade show ANUGA. This year, the participating companies come from Australia, Austria, France, Italy, Japan, China, China's Hong Kong and Macao, and various other places.

The three-day event will showcase various products of wine and gourmet foods, hotel and foodservice equipment, supplies and services. Other activities, such as wine tasting and industry forum will also be held during the fair period.

To show the industry's new development, the Hospitality Trends Forum will also be held, which will serve as a platform for exchange of ideas among the experts, addressing the latest trends and key issues for hotel and restaurant owners, developers and designers.

(Xinhua News Agency November 6, 2008)