Restaurant Asia 2026 officially opened in Singapore, showcasing AI, smart kitchen technologies and digital solutions while launching a new EnterpriseSG and UOB programme to accelerate AI adoption across the F&B industry.
Restaurant Asia 2026 officially opened in Singapore alongside SIGEP Asia, bringing together industry leaders, government representatives, exhibitors and international trade missions to showcase innovations shaping the future of the food and beverage (F&B) sector. The event highlighted advancements in smart kitchen technologies, artificial intelligence (AI) and digital solutions designed to enhance operational efficiency and support industry transformation.
Co-organised by the Restaurant Association of Singapore (RAS), Restaurant Asia 2026 served as a dedicated sourcing platform for the F&B industry, featuring more than 200 companies and brands from 28 countries. The exhibition showcased restaurant, kitchen and culinary equipment, while the RAS Leadership Symposium provided a forum for discussions on innovation, business resilience and the future of hospitality.
Restaurant Association of Singapore President Andrew Kwan said the exhibition had more than doubled in size compared to its previous edition, reflecting the industry’s recovery and growing confidence following the resumption of economic activities across Singapore and the region. He noted that Restaurant Asia had become an important platform for networking, knowledge exchange and business collaboration, while continuing to showcase technologies that are expected to transform cooking, food management, payment systems and restaurant operations.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry Low Yen Ling highlighted the importance of innovation and resilience in strengthening Singapore’s F&B sector. She noted that Restaurant Asia and SIGEP Asia attracted approximately 14,000 visitors in 2026, an increase from 13,000 in 2025 and 11,000 in 2024, reflecting sustained industry interest and participation.
Addressing the event’s theme of “Resilience and Innovation,” Minister Low emphasised that F&B businesses must continue adapting to evolving consumer preferences and operating conditions. She highlighted government initiatives, including Enterprise Singapore’s F&B Process Optimisation Programme, which has supported businesses in redesigning workflows, improving productivity and enhancing customer experiences.
She cited examples of businesses that had successfully implemented operational improvements through digital transformation, including Gochiya, formerly known as Buta Kizoku, which redesigned its dining concept and workflows to improve productivity and increase revenue.
During her address, Minister Low announced the launch of the F&B AI and Digital Integration Programme, a joint initiative by Enterprise Singapore and UOB. Under the programme, participating businesses will receive advisory support to identify suitable AI-enabled solutions and may access funding support of up to 50 per cent for digital integration services, with the aim of accelerating AI adoption across the sector.
Source: MTI Singapore
