Big Things in Mexico: Abastur 2016 Wrap-Up

Latin America is presenting some fantastic opportunity for growth in the foodservice sector and the recent Abastur 2016 show in Mexico City showcased exactly why consultants should focus on the region, reports Dustin McKissen

What do you get when you combine men dressed in giant inflatable pizza costumes, all-you-can-drink ICEE® slushies in exotic flavours, a few of FCSI’s most knowledgeable consultants, and one of the world’s fastest growing foodservice markets? You get Abastur 2016.

The event, held August 30th – September 2nd in Mexico City, was a chance for FCSI The Americas and member consultants to continue growing the association’s brand in one of the world’s most important food service markets. Mexico alone is larger than Spain and France combined, with nearly four times the population of Canada—and on a very different growth curve.

Mexico is also the second fastest growing economy in Latin America, trailing only Brazil. And that’s just one nation—at a conference billed as one of the largest gatherings of hospitality professionals in all of Latin America.

That type of opportunity and growth will always attract a crowd, and FCSI The Americas was well represented at the show. Current FCSI Worldwide chairman William Taunton FCSI, executive director Wade Koehler, and new director of Latin American Relations Javier Sorondo attended, greeting current and future members and partners in a redesigned trade show booth.

The educational programme also featured some of FCSI The Americas most prominent thought leaders. Juan Martinez FCSI spoke about the intersection of technology and knowledge in the foodservice industry. Chris Tripoli FCSI emphasised the importance of designing menus that appeal to millennials, and Ken Schwartz FCSI gave a detailed tour of the process of kitchen design—and why hiring an FCSI consultant is a good idea.

“The economic and population growth in Latin America makes this one of the most exciting regions in the world for this industry,” says Sorondo. “It’s exciting to see the association invest in this region, and based on the conversations we had throughout the show, aspiring and current consultants see the value in belonging to the association—and the industry itself understands the important role truly independent consults play.”

The foodservice industry sees some of its best opportunity for growth in Latin America, and the vibrancy of Abastur 2016 shows exactly why every independent consultant should keep their eye on the region in the coming years.

Dustin McKissen

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