Now on its 10th year, the Cebu Food and Beverages Expo or simply, CEFBEX 2018, is gearing up to host another world-class food show that will turn the spotlight on the unique gastronomic experiences that await in the region. Aptly titled as the “Ultimate Foodventure”, this year’s CEFBEX promises to take foodies and food industry players on an unforgettable journey through the rich and vibrant culinary landscape of Cebu. Likewise, the show is expected to open up new opportunities for local businesses to flourish and reach a wider audience.
To give everyone a better sense of what’s in store at the upcoming CEFBEX 2018, here’s a blow by blow account of what to expect at the biggest food event of the year!
F&B trends, delicacies, and specialties galore
At this year’s CEFBEX, visitors can expect to find no less than an extensive and finely curated selection of the freshest and tastiest F&B goods from Cebu’s best and most daring food innovators, brands, and companies. From well-loved delicacies and regional specialties to the more daring and adventurous food trends that evolve from the culinary heritage of the region, CEFBEX 2018 is the place to be for foodies to sample an unbelievable variety of food and beverage choices!
Homegrown goodness take center stage
Aside from an impressive array of culinary delights, CEFBEX 2018 takes pride in being a platform to showcase the world-class produce and homegrown beverage creations of the region. At this year’s CEFBEX, not to be missed is the Cebu Farmers Market area where one can enjoy shopping for fresh and organically-grown fruits and vegetables. Meanwhile, beverage aficionados are sure to enjoy the CEFBEX Coffee Fest. Organized in partnership with Linear Coffee Roaster and the Cebu Bartenders and Baristas Association, the Coffee Fest is a great opportunity to sample the different specialty coffee and cocktails by local bartenders and baristas.
Live-action kitchen battle
Just when you think that the show cannot get any grander that it already is, CEFBEX always takes things up a notch with its exciting range of event highlights. Among these include the highly-awaited CEFBEX Culinary Cup which is divided into two major categories. First up is the CEFBEX Culinary Cup: Home Chef Edition. Open to all residents of Cebu with no prior professional cooking experience for the last five years nor a formal academic background in cooking, the Home Chef cooking competition offers passionate home cooks a chance to showcase their self-honed skills and talent in the kitchen.
Apart from the honor of being hailed as the competition winner, the CEFBEX Culinary Cup also rewards the victor with P30,000 cash prize and opportunities for growth. As shared by Junrey Remiter Leadman, the 2017 Home Chef Grand Winner, “’Home Chef Culinary Cup competition was a big challenge to test my culinary capabilities. Instead of working in Construction Company, now I will be working soon in a hospitality industry!”
Student chef showdowns
Another category of the CEFBEX Culinary Cup is the electrifying Interschool Division. Open to all students from the Visayan region, the Interschool Division is a great way for students to showcase and measure up their development in their respective fields. Among the students to participate at the competition include representatives from the Benedicto College, University of San Carlos, and the University of Visayas. The students will then best it out in categories such as Table Set-Up, Fruit Carving, Cake Decorating, Flairtending, Open Latte Art, Pasta Live Cookery, Brewers Cup, Taster Cup, and Cebu Mixology.
Free for all seminars
Living up to its reputation as the most compelling food show in the region, CEFBEX continues to help the industry realize its fullest potential by hosting another round of CEFBEX Seminars. Offered free of charge, this year’s line-up of seminars will be hosted by top practitioners and industry leaders from the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Trade and Industry, and the Department of Science and Technology. Each of the representatives will be sharing their insights about the current state of the F&B industry as well as the fast-growing franchising business.
Over a decade since its first debut, CEFBEX remains committed in fostering a dynamic and inclusive F&B industry that satiates the appetite of consumers and nurtures the businesses of traders. Organized by Worldbex Services International, the 10th Cebu Food and Beverages Expo or simply CEFBEX 2018 is happening on October 11 to 14 at the SM City Cebu Trade Hall. Admission is free and open for all foodies and F&B professionals. For more information, follow Cebu Food and Beverages Expo on Facebook and @cefbex on Instagram. You may also call (02) 656-9239 or email [email protected].