Italian Food & Beverage Singapore

For the fourth year in Singapore, the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Singapore (ICCS), together with the other Italian Chambers of Commerce in Asia, organizes the Italian Food & Beverage Singapore (IFBS). The IFBS is a regional platform where Italian companies in the food industry can meet buyers from across Asia. Merlion Wayfarer was fortunate to attend the event and meet some of the exhibitors at the session.

 

In collaboration with Seeds&Chips and Emerge, the first Italian Food Innovation event was also held in conjunction with the annual Italian Food and Beverage event in Singapore. The Italian Food Innovation event is part of the True Italian Taste Project, which is promoted by the Italian Ministry of Economic Development and coordinated by Assocamerestero, the association that brings together 80 Italian Chambers of Commerce in the world. This large network proudly promotes authentic Italian food at a global level.

Briefing by Hawksford, a company providing incorporation and taxation services, about "Doing Business In Singapore"...

Started a couple of years ago in the United States and in Europe, now the Project has extended to many Asian countries, amongst which is Singapore. The Italian Chamber of Commerce in Singapore will focus on increasing knowledge locally about real Italian food, in markets where the genuine Italian food experience is challenged by other products that utilize Italian names and/or symbols that recall Italy but are not authentic.

The aim of the project is to educate about the meaning of quality European certification such as DOP (protected designation of origin) and IGP (Protected geographical indication), labels that certify a specific link to the place they have been produced, so to educate consumers to look for those labels and find authenticity.

TRUE ITALIAN TASTE aims to:

• Tell consumers all over the world about the benefits of true Italian products and the importance of the link between foods and the places they come from
    
• Help food lovers to choose and use authentic Italian ingredients, supporting both businesses and consumers
  
• Support Italian makers of certified, traditional and niche products who would like to be better known on international markets, and reinforce and expand business opportunities for companies already present on world markets
     
• Show how to take advantage of the healthy qualities of true Italian food, promoting organic products, dietary supplements, and certified Italian products.

  

According to the needs of the regional market and aware of the important Italian know-how in the agri-food sector, ICCS aims to present a selection of Italian excellence in the field of Food Innovation in Singapore. The Italian Food Innovation exhibition brought in 15 Italian startups and innovation companies in the food industry to Singapore.

Samples from Primavera Foods & Agricultura Biologica, a company responding to the growing awareness of the central role of food in well-being and health. Their research-based and gluten-free food includes soups, risottos and pasta...

The event allowed Italian companies to meet potential business partners and investors and offer Asian companies the possibility of creating a network of relationships with possible suppliers and technological partners with whom to develop new projects. During the event, a panel of juries assessed and awarded the startup with the best innovation idea. The winner will get the chance to utilize ICCS facilities and services free-of-charge for six months.

For more information, visit the ICCS Events page.

Read More

Italian Food & Beverage Singapore - Inalpi

Merlion Wayfarer met Francesco, a representative from the Inalpi Spa at Italian Food & Beverage Singapore, where Inalpi's products were introduced to her.

From the rich milk of the cows grazing in the pastures of Valsassina, Lecco, Antonio Invernizzi started to produce excellent cheese and butter. In 1966, the firm was founded. With a production plant based in Moretta, and stables located in Piedmont, Inalpi produces milk of Piedmontese origin.

Whole and skimmed milk products made from the region now come in 1kg packs for easier office pantry use in coffee and tea, or simply to dissolve for a milk drink...

Processed cheese slices, a product that has become the core business of the company, was then introduced into the range of products. Subsequently, the company completed its offer with portionable spreadable cheese in the form of "triangle cream cheese". and made with milk from Piedmontese cows.

These 100% Piedmontese Cheeses are produced entirely in the Cuneo mountains. The Formaggini triangle cheese slices are organic and suitable for children...

Tapping on the long-term business relationship with Ferrero S.p.A. of Alba, Inalpi invested in the only plant in Italy for the production of milk powder for food industry. With this, the company strengthened its mission to add value to Piedmontese milk, with its use of local milk, guaranteeing high quality and safety standards.

For more information on Inalpi's products, visit www.inalpi.it.

Read More

PastaMania’s Fusion Spicy Creamy Otak-Otak & Thai Style Aglio Seafood Dishes

SINGAPORE, July 2018 – In a city of contrasts where culinary adventures await at every turn, adventure seekers and foodies alike can gear up for a whirlwind of thrills as PastaMania launches two new dishes, Spicy Creamy Otak-Otak and Thai Style Aglio Seafood. Inspired by the exotic flavours of Southeast Asia, the mouth-watering concoctions delve into Penang’s fiery spices and the rich, piquant flavours of Thailand, tantalizing the taste buds with a kaleidoscope of flavours.

"We are very excited to introduce the award-winning dishes from this year’s Chef Creations Challenge to our menu." 

--- Roy Chua, Head Chef, Product Development and QA of PastaMania ---

Synonymous with PastaMania’s fusion menu, the Spicy Creamy Otak-Otak and Thai Style Aglio Seafood trace back to the origins of Italian and Asian cuisine, blending in a perfect fusion that transcends traditional culinary borders. Innovatively created by Chef Luth and Mu Yang, the East-meets-West dishes are a unique amalgamation of modern techniques and creativity using all-time seafood classics - stealing the spotlight at the Seafood Fusion-themed annual Chef Creations Challenge 2018, with a medley of flavours brimming with cultural diversity.

The spread of aromatic ingredients that goes into each pasta dish...

Taking the menu to new heights with a taste of nostalgia, the Spicy Creamy Otak-Otak is a savoury treat to the palate. Tossed in a velvety-smooth cream sauce, the al dente pasta sends a burst of smoky-fish flavour before sweet notes of coconut milk and the spicy, garlicky flavour of belacan (spicy dried shrimp paste) enter the fray on the back-palate.

Inspired by the classic Pad Thai recipe, the Thai Style Aglio Seafood captures the vibrant flavours of Thailand in a host of condiments - fish sauce, tamarind paste and basil leaves - giving the Italian classic a refreshing lift. Topped with generous chunks of seafood and crispy bacon bits, the dish packs a flavourful punch.

"We pride ourselves on creating innovative dishes with wholesome ingredients, and the Spicy Creamy Otak-Otak by Chef Luth, representative from PastaMania at FairPrice Hub, and Thai Style Aglio Seafood by Mu Yang, representative from PastaMania at Causeway Point, are a fitting tribute to PastaMania’s contemporary take on classic Italian recipes."

--- Roy Chua ---

Organized by PastaMania, the annual Chef Creations challenge invites representatives from their outlets in Singapore to create a new dish according to a theme. This year, the Seafood Fusion-themed challenge received a submission of 24 recipes and six chefs were selected for the final challenge. The challenge was judged and scored by a panel of five judges - Jeremy Cheok, Chef and Co-founder of Garang Grill by New Ubin Seafood; Bruno Gillet, Chef and Production Manager at Kuhlbarra; Roy Chua, Head Chef, Product Development and QA of PastaMania; and two customers from PastaMania. Watch the six chefs battle in the final round of cookout, with their Seafood Fusion creations to a panel of five judges here.

Chef Mu Yang cooking the Thai Style Aglio Seafood Pasta with his special blended sauce...

Chef Luth scoured several markets to find the most delicious otak for his Spicy Creamy Otak-Otak Pasta...

Customers can look forward to the two new dishes of Spicy Creamy Otak-Otak and Thai Style Aglio Seafood, now available at all PastaMania outlets.

Price is $13.90 a la carte. There will be a $1 discount when customers order through the COMMONS Sg app using promo code ‘CC1OFF’.

COMMONS Sg is available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. It allows customers to order and make payment directly through the app, removing the need for customers to wait in queue. Plus, one can earn 10% rebates on their net bill and rebates can be redeemed to offset their next bill.

About PastaMania

PastaMania is the largest Italian casual dining chain in Singapore with over 50 stores in eight countries. Established in 1998, the brand offers affordable authentic Italian cuisine with remarkable ambient modelled after the Italian piazza concept. In PastaMania, only “in-house PastaMania” brand of whole-peeled Roma tomatoes from Italy are approved and used worldwide. PastaMania farms and produces their tomato sauce in the northern part of Italy; and before shipping out for consumption, go through an intensive quality control process to assure product quality. PastaMania is committed to serving fresh and quality ingredients, while making it available and accessible every day to everyone.

Headquartered in Singapore, PastaMania also has a presence in Malaysia, China, Brunei, Kuwait, Myanmar, United Arab Emirates and Egypt. PastaMania has won numerous accolades, including ‘Franchisor of the Year’ and ‘That’s Shanghai Best Italian Casual Dining Restaurant Award’ just to name a few. PastaMania is part of Commonwealth Retail Concepts Pte Ltd whose wholly owned brands also include Swissbake, Kraftwich by Swissbake, Zac Butchery, portopantry and Commons. For more information, visit: www.pastamania.com.sg.

PastaMania is available on delivery at www.pastamaniadelivery.sg and all delivery food app providers (Deliveroo, FoodPanda, GrabFood, Honest Bee).

Read More

About - Wafu Pizza

Wafu (和風) or Japanese-style dressing is a vinaigrette-type salad dressing based on tosazu (fermented vinegar seasoned with bonito and konbu seaweed), popular in Japan.  In Japanese, Wa (和) means Japanese style. The standard wafu dressing consists of a mixture of Japanese soy sauce, rice vinegar, mirin and vegetable oil. It can be used over a salad, or in this case, in a pizza, to create that distinct Japanese umami taste.

Mini Seafood Wafu Pizza just perfect for that afternoon snack...

Read More

Munch with Contiki & CulinaryOn

Contiki, the world’s leading travel brand for 18-35 year olds, has been cooking up a storm with international culinary edutainment centre CulinaryOn. Home to the largest cooking studio in Asia and located in the heart of Singapore’s Central Business District, CulinaryOn is joining Contiki to share Contiki’s unique gastronomy trip—Munch—with Singapore’s millennial travellers.

“By combining our passion for travel and CulinaryOn’s passion for food, we want young Singaporeans to place food at the forefront of any travel experience.” 

--- Sam Morrah, Director of Sales and Marketing Asia ---

Food is an intergral part of global culture. Dedicated to the foodies who need nothing but a fork, a knife and a passport when travelling, Munch provides the ultimate culinary itinerary for millenial food travellers to eat their way across Europe. Each trip is led by a unique duo—a Contiki Trip Manager and a foodie social media influencer—who take travellers on their amazing gastronomic journeys.

Using nitrogen to quick-freeze the berries...

Munch provides travellers the fun of a Contiki trip and the chance to explore like a food expert, focussed on sampling delectable local delicacies and wine across nine days with stops in Barcelona, Arles, Aix-en-Provence, Nice, Genoa, Florence, San Gimignano, Bologna, Lake Como and Milan. Days will be filled with exciting cooking classes, hands-on pasta-making sessions, delectable Tuscan dinners, experential food market outings and elegant wine-making introductions with  nights will be spent relaxing in comfortable hotels.

Moving on to the next dish...

Chef explains what to do for each step of the process...

Through Munch, travellers get the opportunity to gain skills in the realm of food and wine appreciation. Not only do they partake in an enriching learning experience, but they also enjoy a comfortable travel experience: hotel accommodation, luxury coaches and a carefully-curated itinerary of included and optional experiences.

Alongside plenty of opportunities for solo exploration, Munch travellers can expect to enjoy:

• 2 days in Barcelona: Kick off the journey in style with a traditional Tapas feast, then spend some time exploring beautiful Barcelona and take a Spanish cooking class
• 1 day in Aix-en-Provence: Arrive into Aix later afternoon and spend some time exploring this stylish town before being treated to a traditional Provençal bouillabaisse dinner
• 2 days in Florence: Enjoy plenty of time to explore Florence, head out for a traditional Tuscan dinner or get straight on the Gelato. Learn to make pasta in the romantic countryside of a Tuscan villa
• 1 day in Bologna: Get a taste for Bologna while wandering the city’s food markets, then enjoy a traditional dinner of Tortellini Al Ragu 
• 1 day in Milan: Spend an afternoon sipping aperol and watching the action on the bustling plazas before a tasty regional risotto dinner
• Dedicated Foodie Munch Stops: Arles, Nice, Genoa, San Gimignano and Lake Como!

“We’ve replaced postcards with Instagram, and cameras with iPhones, but despite this digitialisation - food is one thing that remains stubbornly analogue Munch capitalises on the incredible food experiences Europe has to offer & provides something truly unique for today’s foodie traveller.”

--- Kelly Jackson, General Manager for Contiki ---

As a part of Contiki’s Limited Edition Summer Series, Munch will run with smaller groups of 25-30 passengers. Two departures of Munch will run in summer 2017, with further departures expected in 2018. For more information on Contiki’s trips throughout Europe, USA, Canada, Asia, Australia, New Zealand and Latin America check out www.contiki.com

Life’s an adventure – make it count with absolutely #NOREGRETS.

About Contiki Holidays

Contiki is the world leader in travel experiences for 18-35’s. We’re about discovery, once-in-a-lifetime moments, human connections, and making every second of being young count. We run over 300 trips in 50 plus countries, each and every one designed to get to the beating heart of a destination, understanding the local way of life and unearthing #NOREGRETS experiences. A member of the family-owned The Travel Corporation (TTC), we are renowned and trusted for our outstanding quality, service, value, reliability and financial stability. Want to know more? Visit www.contiki.com

About CulinaryOn

An international culinary edutainment concept, CulinaryOn is an exciting and modern space designed for corporate events, parties, private events & dining and world-class cooking experiences. Launched in Oct 2015 in the heart of Singapore’s CBD, CulinaryOn is the largest culinary edutainment studio in Singapore and Asia, and is able to cater to a variety of fun cooking events from anywhere between 2-200 participants. Visit culinaryon.sg for more information

Read More