Restaurant industry gathers in Halifax for annual ApEx Show, April 15 - 16

New ideas and products on the table for $3-billion industry that employs more than 57,000 Maritimers

HALIFAX, April 12, 2012 /CNW/ - The people who own, operate and work in the region's restaurant and hospitality businesses will be networking, learning and buying at the annual ApEx Show running April 15 and 16 at Exhibition Place.

The ApEx Show features dozens of exhibit booths, chef demonstrations, seminars and networking events to help restaurant and hospitality operators stay on top of the latest trends and build their businesses.

For the full agenda visit www.apextradeshow.ca.  The ApEx Show is open to trade only.

KEY RESTAURANT INDUSTRY STATS:

Maritime Canada's Restaurant Industry (NS, NB, PEI combined)

Direct jobs:  57,200
Share of Maritime workforce:  6.5%
Total revenue in 2011:  $3.1 billion
Share of Maritime economy:  4.2%
Growth forecast for 2012:  2.5%
Total revenue forecast for 2012:  $3.2 billion

Nova Scotia's Restaurant Industry

Direct jobs:   29,300
Share of Nova Scotia workforce:   6.5%
Total revenue in 2011:   $1.6 billion
Share of Nova Scotia economy:   4.3%
Growth forecast for 2012:  2.8%
Total revenue forecast for 2012:   $1.7 billion

New Brunswick's Restaurant Industry

Direct jobs:   22,800
Share of New Brunswick workforce:   6.5%
Total revenue in 2011:   $1.2 billion
Share of New Brunswick economy:   3.9%
Growth forecast for 2012:  2.2%
Total revenue forecast for 2012:   $1.2 billion

PEI's Restaurant Industry

Direct jobs:   5,100
Share of PEI workforce:   7.1%
Total revenue in 2011:   $238 million
Share of PEI economy:   4.5%
Growth forecast for 2012:  2.0%
Total revenue forecast for 2012:   $242 million

ApEx is owned and operated by MediaEDGE Communications, and the Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association is the show's title sponsor. 

NOTE:  Media may register for accreditation by using the online visitor registration form at www.apextradeshow.com, or by calling 1-877-755-1938, ext. 102.

MEDIA CONTACTS:  

For the ApEx Show:  Chuck Nervick, Senior Vice President, MediaEDGE Communications, 416-512-8186, ext. 227 or [email protected]

For the CRFA/restaurant industry:  Luc Erjavec, CRFA VP Atlantic Canada, 1-877-755-1938, ext. 101 or [email protected];  Prasanthi Vasanthakumar, CRFA Communications, 1-800-387-5649, ext. 4254 or [email protected]