Famed French boulangerie Paul Bakery is opening its door at Takashimaya Shopping Centre with 130-seat dining area and a takeaway bakery counter. The bakery restaurant occupies the shop space of 278m 2 , which was previously Coffee Club’s on the third floor of the mall, next to Books Kinokuniya. Everything from the breads to the decor is authentic to the standards set in other Paul bakeries worldwide. The shop is collaboration between Paul and Toshin Development Singapore, which is a subsidiary of Takashimaya group. First established in 1889 in Croix, France, by the Mayot family, the bakery empire now has more than 400 stores worldwide. This family-run patisserie bakes fresh bread daily and it is famous for its breads as well as top-selling products such as the Flute Paul, which is a French baguette made from dough that is fermented slowly, chocolate bread and croissants. Of the stick gingerbread through the praline brioche, you may have already tasted the products of another famous French bakery, Maison Kayser. Opened its first outlet in Singapore in December 12, 2011, this chain of bakeries of high quality, with twenty four outlets in the world also chose the city- state to gain a foothold in Southeast Asia.

Seven French companies specialised in fine food products exports will be in Singapore next May 23 rd and 24 th to present their offer to ASEAN zone buyers. Organised in B to B meetings format, the “Gourmet Asia” encounters are a unique opportunity for Asian buyers to discover or rediscover those specialties that have made French gastronomy’s reputation: charcuterie, cheese, foie gras, fruit paste, prunes, coffee, olive oil, pastries, etc. The event will be held at the UBIFRANCE Trade Mission in Singapore.     Organised by UBIFRANCE, the French agency for international business development, the “Gourmet Asia” operation’s objective is to put fine food sector French businesses in touch with Singapore buyers and distributors, as well as those hailing from Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia.   The operation will begin on the Monday morning with a seminar presenting the 5 markets: Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia. There will be talks given by sector professionals (restaurant managers, importers, etc.) to help French attendees boost their understanding of the ASEAN zone. In the afternoon, it will be time for a succession of B to B meetings with Singapore buyers. The second day will be devoted to meetings with buyers from other countries in the zone.   Singapore is currently France’s leading commercial partner in the ASEAN zone. The City State imports 90 % of its food requirements and it represents a regional platform for the French food industry. In Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand, the growth of tourism and increased sophistication in lifestyle are creating a substantial demand in gourmet products.   Thus the “Gourmet Asia” encounters will give French companies an opportunity of meeting specialists in the sector, of positioning themselves with respect to French, local and foreign competition, and it could help them forge relations with strategic partners.   Contact Isabelle Nguyen to meet them from 11:30 to 18:00 on Mai 23th in Singapore at: Tel: 65-6880 7899/Email: isabelle.nguyen@ubifrance.fr    

  Enhance the prestigious status & premium quality for the ultimate in Champagne enjoyment, a group of prestigious French Champagne producers lined the center of ST REGIS hotel on April 15 for its first tasting in Singapore.  The event goers experienced a wide selection of award-winning champagne and in particular were guided to traverse the lands of champagne region such as La Côte des Blancs , La Montagne de Reims , La Valée de la Marne and more…  French champagnes have been enjoying Singaporean renaissance for some time now. More wine shop and restaurants have expanded their French Champagne listings in direct response to this trend. At this point, more French champagne are consumed in Singapore in 2010 with an increase of 22% compared to 2009. Exclusively for trade people only, the tasting was organized by Champagne Association “Champagne de Vignerons” & the French Trade Commission-UBIFRANCE in Singapore.    

  Organised by Ubifrance Singapore, the exclusive Rendez-Vous Vins & Spiritueux returns for the third time on November 15th with a wider product range and more exciting gatherings. This tasting of French wines and spirits allows all the trade professionals to wander through multi award-winning labels from selective  terroirs in France.   The Rendez-vous showcases the products of passionate wine & spirits French producers. It highlights the modern and contemporary facets of French appelations,  juxtaposed with its cutural heritages, as well as iconic savoir faire of the French wineries.     This is a trade only event, by invitation only