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In Focus: F&B@Sea

Further details of Seatrade Cruise's first ever F&B@Sea experience emerge

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There is growing demand for culinary-focused programming; the global f&b market is expected to be worth $6.4 trillion by the end of 2022 and $8.9 trillion by 2026
It has been confirmed that F&B@Sea, a two-day experience catering to the cruise food and beverage community and running alongside Seatrade Cruise Global, will take place March 28-29, 2023 at Port Everglades with registration opening soon.

Held in the port's Terminal 2 F&B@Sea will feature a marketplace of curated vendors, live demos by top chefs and mixologists, and interactive content sessions involving industry leaders. The inaugural event will occur in tandem with Seatrade Cruise Global on 27-30 March, 2023 at the newly renovated Broward County Convention Center in Greater Fort Lauderdale, which is slated to host more than 8,000 attendees across the industry, including cruise professionals, thought leaders and innovators. 

Growing demand for culinary-focused programming

‘Extensive research by the Seatrade Cruise team identified the desire and demand for culinary-focused programming within the cruise community,’ explained Mary Bond, group director for Seatrade Cruise. ‘F&B@Sea aims to close the gap with vendor showcases, networking and live demonstrations while bringing together cruise line executives and suppliers to meet, learn and discuss challenges, opportunities and expand horizons.’

The global food and beverage market is expected to be worth $6.4 trillion by the end of 2022 and $8.9 trillion by 2026, with six leading cruise lines accounting for over $2 billion in food and beverage annually, according to research by Seatrade Cruise. As cruise passenger bookings exceed 2019 levels and vessel supply chains grow increasingly complex, cruise lines are hungrier than ever for partners who can meet their needs and keep pace with the market’s rapid growth.

Fresh opportunities

‘There’s so much opportunity across the sector for both cruise lines and suppliers to creatively push the envelope,’ said certified food and beverage executive (FCBE) Rick Welch, president for RMW Global Consulting. ‘I’m thrilled to be involved with the inaugural F&B@Sea event because Seatrade Cruise has proved they understand how F&B needs are rapidly changing. The team is up to the task of bringing together cruise executives and suppliers to discuss key trends and industry challenges and opportunities while enjoying experiential offerings in a setting focused on the critical onboard food and beverage delivery.’

An extension of Seatrade Cruise Global

F&B@Sea caters to the industry’s demand for a South Florida-based gathering dedicated to connecting cruise lines with innovative suppliers at the convergence of food and beverage, entertainment, technology and sustainability. The event was developed in close consultation with cruise lines, food and beverage stakeholders, and culinary leaders with support from Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) and industry consulting leader MarkeTeam.

Noted Rudi Sodamin, master chef, Holland America Line & head of culinary arts, Princess Cruises, ‘Seatrade’s expansion to include food and beverage represents a huge win for all F&B professionals in the cruise sector.’ He continued, ‘Seatrade is an inspiration – and F&B@Sea will undoubtedly present a fantastic forum showcasing innovative trends in F&B. This premiere promises to serve up a generous helping of inspiration to bring our F&B outputs to the next level and new ideas to address the supplier-base challenges unique to our industry.’

More information about F&B@Sea is available at seatradecruisefnb.com.

Contribute to the development of the content programme by participating in Seatrade’s F&B@Sea Survey before 18 November.

To learn more about Seatrade Cruise Global 2023 and for the latest event details and registration, visit seatradecruiseglobal.com.