Connexion Shenzhen kicks off with record-breaking scale and diverse events

An exhibitor makes a cup of coffee latte on the Connexion Shenzhen. Courtesy of Connexion Shenzhen

Connexion Shenzhen, with the 2024 HOTELEX as its centerpiece, kicked off at the Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center in Bao’an District yesterday, marking a significant event in the hospitality and catering industry. 

Spanning over three days, the exhibition is set to break records with 3,000 renowned exhibitors showcasing a wide range of products including drinks, baking desserts, and alcohol, expecting to draw nearly 200,000 professional visitors.

Building on the success of the 2023 exhibition, this year's event has seen a comprehensive upgrade, with 16 halls opened simultaneously for the first time. The total exhibition area has reached 300,000 square meters, a 50% increase year on year. 

Notably, the coffee and tea sector, with a display area of nearly 100,000 square meters, is the largest since HOTELEX entered South China.

The event features various popular sections such as coffee and tea, beverages, food, and catering ingredients. A series of exciting competitions, including coffee, trendy drinks, and cooking, will also take place during the exhibition.

One of the highlights is the International Chef Elite Competition, where 300 chefs and apprentices showcased their culinary skills in a live cooking contest. 

"Through this competition and platform, we aim to improve skills, share the taste of Shenzhen with the whole country and even overseas, and tell the story of our culinary culture," said Liu Yongzhong, president of the Shenzhen Cuisine Association.

In addition to the cooking competition, the beverage and baking exhibitions have also garnered significant attention. The diverse and rich array of tea drinks and desserts has attracted numerous residents and buyers to sample the products on-site.

"I came here to find raw materials for our cafe products and seek new innovations," a buyer surnamed Chen said.