M & A
IEG feeds Asian appetite
Italian Exhibition Group ’ s appetite for international expansion grows with the acquisition of Montgomery Asia F & B events
T he 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 :
Said Al Shanfari
Ilaria Cicero
Francesco Santa
“ 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 , 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 .
www . exhibitionworld . co . uk Issue 1 2024 45