Nepal’s Food & Beverage (F&B) and Hospitality industries are at the threshold of a defining moment. Over the past two decades, restaurants, hotels, catering services, and food processing businesses have flourished, transforming how Nepalese people live, eat, and celebrate. Now, as 2025 approaches, the momentum is stronger than ever. With rising incomes, a tourism revival, and platforms like the GAI Food & Beverage and Hospitality Expo (FBH) serving as the sector’s business hub, the stage is set for a new era of growth.
The scale of change is undeniable. Today, Nepal’s F&B industry has more than 25,500 establishments, employing nearly 94,000 people. Hotels and resorts continue to open at a rapid pace, with more than 25 new star-rated properties expected to begin operations within the next two years. Tourist arrivals, which surpassed 1.2 million in 2023, are back on an upward trajectory, fueling demand for everything from fine dining to luxury accommodation. For both local and international investors, Nepal has become a destination where culture, cuisine, and commerce converge.
The Growth Drivers
Several forces are propelling this expansion. A steadily growing middle class, powered by remittances from abroad, now has greater spending power. Dining out, booking getaways, and hosting events are no longer reserved for the elite. At the same time, international tourism is booming, with travelers seeking authentic Nepali experiences delivered at world-class standards. Urban centers like Kathmandu and Pokhara now reflect the globalization of taste, offering everything from sushi and pasta to barbeque and mezze alongside momo and dal bhat. The government’s decision to lift restrictions on food imports from countries such as Italy, Japan, and South Korea has only broadened the culinary palette.
Equally transformative is the new generation of entrepreneurs reshaping the industry. Chefs, baristas, brewers, and restaurateurs are championing local ingredients, experimenting with farm-to-table dining, and introducing innovative craft beverages. They are redefining hospitality, making it both cosmopolitan and rooted in local culture.
The Role of FBH Expo
Against this backdrop, GAI Food & Beverage and Hospitality Expo has become Nepal’s premier marketplace for innovation and business networking. In 2024, the expo hosted over 5,000 brands and 300 companies, drawing nearly 30,000 visitors, half of them business professionals. The event’s signature features— Special Preview Mocktail receptions and the Retailers Brunch Meet—turn the exhibition into a live, interactive experience where ideas and deals flow side by side. The Small Business Mart has been launched to give startups and entrepreneurs a platform, and has become a highlight, proving that innovation often comes from the unexpected. Likewise, FMCG Bazaar and Hospitality Recruitment Hub are being planned for more tangible interactions at the trade show.
As the 2025 edition approaches, anticipation is high. Exhibitors will showcase not only food and beverages but also the full ecosystem of hospitality, from décor and linens to packaging, refrigeration, and digital software. For many, FBH is “Nepal’s business address” for the food and hospitality industries, the one place where the entire supply chain comes together under one roof.
Why Visit FBH 2025?
For the hospitality industry—hotels, resorts, restaurants, cafés, banquet halls, and catering companies—FBH 2025 offers the chance to explore the latest in design, décor, housekeeping solutions, kitchenware, and technology. Live demonstrations and competitions provide inspiration, while networking sessions make it possible to meet both long-standing suppliers and new partners. As the narratives put it, this is the “biggest annual get-together for the hospitality fraternity”—a chance for classmates, colleagues, competitors and partners to reconnect while discovering the future of the industry.
For retail outlets—supermarkets, grocery stores, kirana shops, and convenience stores—the expo is the best place to discover new sources, negotiate competitive prices, and stock up before Nepal’s festive season. Retailers know that “good suppliers and supplies are key to business success,” and FBH provides the rare opportunity to meet them all in one place. The event’s timing, just before Dashain and Tihar, ensures that shelves can be stocked with the latest snacks, beverages, and packaged goods to meet seasonal demand.
For processed food and beverage manufacturers, FBH 2025 is equally strategic. It is a business-to-business marketplace where bakers, brewers, distillers, and processors can expand their distribution networks, meet with distributors and retailers, and explore new machinery and packaging technologies. The expo is where international producers, local distributors, and after-sales service providers all come together, creating the full chain of solutions that manufacturers need to thrive.
Trends Shaping 2025
The industries’ momentum is also being shaped by global trends. Sustainability has become a priority, with increasing emphasis on local sourcing, organic products, and waste reduction. Technology is transforming both industries—QR code menus, cloud kitchens, and AI-driven hotel personalization are now entering the mainstream. Wellness and experiential tourism are also gaining traction, with travelers seeking culinary journeys, yoga retreats, and luxury adventure experiences. Meanwhile, beverages—from specialty coffee to craft beer and herbal infusions—are becoming not just lifestyle products but potential exports.
Opportunities and Challenges
Of course, challenges remain. Infrastructure gaps in transportation and power supply continue to constrain expansion, especially outside major urban areas. Skilled labor often migrates abroad, creating shortages at home. Regulatory inconsistencies in licensing and food safety add complexity, while high food prices limit affordability. But these challenges also highlight the value of FBH as a collective platform where industry leaders can engage, learn, and advocate for solutions.
Looking Ahead
As Nepal heads into 2025, the outlook for food and hospitality is one of both consolidation and elevation. Smaller players are aligning with larger supply chains, while the industry as a whole is raising its game in quality, service, and innovation. The synergy of domestic consumption, fueled by remittances and changing lifestyles, with international demand from tourism and global F&B trends, ensures steady growth.
FBH 2025 will be more than just an exhibition. It will be a stage where Nepal’s ambitions for its food and hospitality industries are displayed in real time. It will be the one place where hoteliers, restaurateurs, grocers, and manufacturers can see the latest trends, meet their suppliers, and secure their future. As the organizers emphasize: “Live face to face—the only way to do business.”
For those in the business of food, beverage, and hospitality, the message is clear. Whether you are seeking new suppliers, scouting innovations, or simply reconnecting with your industry community, this is the event that can shape the course of your business. Nepal’s food and hospitality future is unfolding now, and FBH 2025 is the networking nexus to catch the business break that all companies strive for. FBH is the ultimate market-place for New sources, new ideas—you never know what you will find or who you will meet. One visit can impact a business for years.
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