In a dazzling display of industry might and innovation, the 32nd Shanghai International Hospitality Equipment & Foodservice Expo, famously known as HOTELEX Shanghai 2024, has concluded with unprecedented success. This iconic event, an integral part of Tourism Plus Shanghai 2024, wrapped up on March 30th in Shanghai, leaving behind a trail of achievements and a roadmap for the future of global hospitality and catering industries.
This year’s exposition, an impressive 400,000 square meters across 14 exhibition halls, saw an overwhelming influx of attendees. The event recorded over 420,000 participants, including 15,761 international visitors—an 80% increase from the previous year. This attendance surge underscores HOTELEX’s expansive global reach and mirrors the burgeoning interest and dynamic growth within the hotel and catering sectors worldwide.
From the outset, HOTELEX Shanghai 2024 set a new attendance record, with more than 100,000 visitors flocking on the opening day alone. The event’s palpable energy and bustling atmosphere painted a vivid picture of the industry’s robust ecosystem and its vast potential for future expansion.
A historical beacon over its 31-year journey, HOTELEX has been synonymous with high-calibre “procurement halls,” focusing on various commercial formats, including Hotel Catering, F&B, Coffee, Baking, and Bars. As a pivotal platform, it facilitates the amalgamation of international consulting and product showcases, significantly fostering the development of the global catering industry.
This year, the expo continued its tradition of fostering B2B professional exchanges and broadened its horizon by engaging consumer markets. The concurrent Shanghai Coffee and Food Festival was a significant highlight, drawing extensive crowds and enhancing public engagement with gourmet culture. This strategic inclusion subtly shifted consumer habits and broadened market perspectives.
Moreover, the event hosted 11 professional competitions, from coffee brewing to cocktail mixing. These contests displayed the cutting-edge skills and innovative spirit of industry talents, providing a feast for the senses and heralding new trends in hospitality.
As we reflect on the successes of HOTELEX Shanghai 2024, anticipation is already mounting for next year’s event. HOTELEX Shanghai 2025 promises to continue this legacy of excellence, offering more opportunities for industry exchange and setting the course for future developments in the catering and hospitality sectors. Mark your calendars for March 30th to April 2nd, 2025, at NECC, Shanghai, and be part of this continuing journey toward innovation and growth in global hospitality.
Written by: My Thanh Pham
