The specialist fair

What you missed at the recent Speciality & Fine Food Asia and Restaurant, Pub & Bar Asia 2018

After its inaugural trade show last July, Speciality & Fine Food Asia (SFFA) and Restaurant, Pub & Bar Asia (RPB Asia) were back at Suntec Singapore from 17 to 19 July with 160 exhibitors from 20 countries. Numerous smart F&B solutions and cutting-edge products, such as a robotic barista by Crown Coffee, were displayed on the SFFA side, while many spirits and beverages were served under the RPB Asia banner. Fine tipples included Shiraz from Petersons Wines, exclusive Junmai Daiginjo from Juoko, G&T in a can from Brewdog, and newcomers Lawrenny gin and vodka.

Over at Fine Food Live, headlining chef Isaac Mchale from The Clove Club, London presented two live cooking demos while talking about British produce. The jolly chef, in Singapore for the second time, also took part in the thoughtful panel discussion, The Fine Art of (Conscious) Dining together with chef Julien Royer and chef-owner Ken Loon.

At Centre Stage, the three-day Bartender Invitational saw four teams from four cities battle it out for various titles including Bartender of the Year 2018, which went to Jay Khan from COA, Hong Kong. And making its debut was the Asia Food Innovation Awards, the Asian arm of the U.k.-based awards.