The 2026 CHA National Culinary Championship establishes a premier culinary competition arena. We proudly invite 20+ distinguished judges, including Mr. Li Yongzhou (Executive Chairman of the Chef Committee of the China Hotel Association) and Mr. Li Yongtai (China Registered Master Chef), to provide expert commentary. Over 260+ competing teams will vie for the championship title and honor, showcasing the pinnacle of Chinese culinary arts and innovation.

As an emerging business model, unmanned retail is gradually transforming the traditional retail landscape with its convenient, efficient, and intelligent features, becoming a major new trend. The 2026 exhibition will prominently feature the “Light-Asset·Smart Store” Unmanned Retail Franchise Experience Zone. Numerous unmanned retail enterprises will showcase advanced unmanned retail technologies, innovative business models, and comprehensive solutions.
From smart shelves and vending machines to unmanned convenience stores, exhibits will demonstrate how technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and Big Data enable automatic product identification, checkout, and restocking. This will provide visitors with a new consumer experience and attract investors’ attention to the development potential and investment direction of this burgeoning field.

According to the 2024 Franchise Investment Demographic Insights Report released by the China Chain Store and Franchise Association (CCFA), franchise investment preferences are shifting:
The proportion of investors targeting mid-to-large investments (¥500,000+) is rising annually, with those considering ¥1 million+ investments reaching 14.6%.
Experienced investors with one or more successful franchise ventures now represent 36.22% of the demographic.

As growing numbers of professional franchisees, institutional investors, and cross-industry entrants enter the market, Regional Master Franchising and Multi-Unit Ownership have become pivotal trends in brand expansion.
The Guangzhou International Franchise Expo (GIFE) responds to the evolving needs of both brands and master franchisees. At its 8th edition, GIFE will host an exclusive “Master Franchisee Roundtable”, featuring:
Practical insights and scaling strategies shared by top franchisees
Direct connections between brands and high-caliber investors
to drive efficient, high-value partnerships.

The World Coffee Roasting Championship (WCRC) is a professional coffee competition initiated by World Coffee Events (WCE) – a pioneer in global coffee activities – to promote specialty coffee. It premiered in Nice, France in 2013.
In 2015, WCRC made its China debut at the Guangzhou International Hotel Supplies & Equipment Exhibition (HOTELEX Guangzhou 2015). Thirty coffee roasters competed simultaneously on-site, with the top three contestants advancing directly to the National Final of the China selection round.