Things are heating up for the 2010 CRFA Show

TORONTO, March 5 /CNW/ - Canada's largest hospitality tradeshow is just three days away. Returning to the Direct Energy Centre, March 7 to 9, 2010, the CRFA Show brings together 12,000 industry professionals, 1,200 exhibitor booths, 12 top Canadian chefs, seven mixologists and much more under one roof.

"The CRFA Show is largest gathering of foodservice professionals in Canada, and a unique opportunity to network, exchange ideas, shop for new products and services and celebrate this $60-billion industry," says CRFA president and CEO Garth Whyte. "A show of this magnitude is especially important in the restaurant industry, where innovation is a hallmark."

What's new this year

    
    -  A brand-new Centre for Sustainability showcases a variety of
       innovative and sustainable products, ranging from energy-efficient
       fridges and non-toxic cleaners to low-flow fixtures and bamboo
       placemats.

    -  The Sysco Innovative Products Pavilion displays exciting new food and
       beverage products from some of Canada's leading foodservice industry
       suppliers.

    -  Research company BrandSpark International reveals the results of the
       first-ever CRFA Canadian Chef Survey on Tuesday, March 9 at 12:30 p.m.
    

Back by popular demand

    
    -  The signature seminar series includes 14 free workshops featuring top
       industry experts like Don Fisher of Fisher-Nickel Inc., and Jim Laube
       of RestaurantOwner.com. Maximilian Riedel returns with his popular
       wine glass tasting and a brand-new spirits tasting.

    -  Twelve top Canadian chefs - including Susur Lee and Lynn Crawford -
       offer tips, techniques and ideas through cooking demos.

    -  Seven mixologists shake up tasty concoctions on the Cocktail Stage.

    -  Two hot cooking competitions - Cooking with the Stars and the
       Escoffier Society of Toronto's Culinary Salon - feature celebrity
       chefs and junior apprentices vying for top honours.
    

2010 CRFA Show Dates and Times:

    
    Sunday, March 7: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
    Monday, March 8: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
    Tuesday, March 9: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
    

Location:

    
    Direct Energy Centre, 100 Princes' Blvd., Toronto, Ontario

    The CRFA Show is a trade-only event, and admittance is restricted to
    those 19 years of age or older.

    The CRFA Show is owned and operated by the Canadian Restaurant and
    Foodservices Association, one of the country's leading business
    associations. Through its trade shows, member savings, research and
    advocacy, CRFA works to create an environment that allows foodservice
    operators to grow and prosper.
    

For further information: Prasanthi Vasanthakumar, CRFA Communications, 1-800-387-5649, ext. 4254 or [email protected]