Moncton to host annual gathering of restaurant and hospitality industry
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 31, 2011
MONCTON – The Moncton Agrena Coliseum Complex is being transformed into a feast of food, beverage, equipment and technology products for Atlantic Canada’s restaurant and hospitality industry. Close to 2,000 people are expected to gather on April 3 and 4, 2011 for ApEx, Atlantic Canada’s foodservice and hospitality event of the year.
“ApEx is a chance for anyone who works in the hospitality industry – from owners and managers to chefs and purchasing agents -- to find out what’s new, make some deals, get inspired and network with their colleagues,” says Luc Erjavec, Atlantic Canada Vice President for the Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association (CRFA). “The hospitality industry is a key part of the economy, and events like this help these businesses to grow and prosper.”
The restaurant industry alone generates $3.8 billion in annual sales and directly employs more than 73,000 people at 5,000 restaurants, bars and caterers in Atlantic Canada. By province:
| Annual sales | Direct jobs | |
| New Brunswick | $1.2 billion | 24,200 |
| Nova Scotia | $1.6 billion | 30,600 |
| Prince Edward Island | $227 million | 5,300 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $792 million | 13,100 |
In addition to exhibit booths showcasing hundreds of new products – from flavoured iced teas and smoothies to waste disposal bins -- ApEx events include:
- a panel discussion with local business owners revealing their “secrets of success”
- the latest trends and forecasts for the foodservice industry from CRFA and market research company NPD Group
- demonstrations by local chefs with simple ways to add pizazz and flair to menus
Some of Atlantic Canada’s best chefs and restaurant owners will be doing cooking demonstrations, including:
- Chef Sylvie Parent-Pitre of the Atlantic Host Hotel in Bathurst, NB
- Brenda O’Reilly of Yellowbelly Brewery in St. John’s, NL
- Chef Liam Dolan of the Claddagh Restaurant in Charlottetown, PEI
- Chef Stefan Müller of the Delta Beausejour in Moncton, NB
- Chef Chris MacAdam of MaisonTait House in Shediac, NB
- Chef Pierre A. Richard of Little Louis’ in Moncton, NB
To find out more about ApEx or to register online, go to www.apextradeshow.com.
ApEx is owned and operated by the Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association, one of the country’s leading business associations. Through its trade shows, member savings and advocacy, CRFA works to create an environment that allows foodservice operators to prosper and grow.
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