This September, the Flavors Conference, presented by Mastercard and Vietcetera, will be held in Ho Chi Minh City with the theme "Building a Resilient and Thriving F&B Industry in Vietnam." The event offers a chance to meet top names in the industry, from heads of restaurants and food brands to experts holding the keys to exceptional growth in the Food and Beverage (F&B) market.
Business Card #1: Global Insights
Lam Duc Anh (Leo) - Brand Ambassador of Diageo Vietnam
Lam Duc Anh (Leo) is a seasoned F&B professional with over 15 years of industry experience. Currently serving as a Brand Ambassador for Diageo Vietnam, he plays a pivotal role in representing and promoting the company's portfolio. His entrepreneurial spirit is evident in his co-founding of STIR - Modern Classic Cocktail Bar, where he has honed his expertise in crafting exceptional cocktail experiences.
Sonny Side, Host and Owner of The Best Ever Food Review Show
Sonny Side, a prominent YouTuber with 2.64 million subscribers, is a recognized figure in food reviews. His content blends a deep appreciation for culinary cultures with compelling storytelling. During his time in Vietnam, Sonny produced over 100 videos highlighting the country's diverse cuisine and cultural heritage. At the Flavors Conference, Sonny will provide an updated perspective on Vietnam’s role within the broader regional culinary scene.
Devyn van Niekerk, Corporate Director, Food & Beverage - Asia Pacific, Meliá Hotels International
With 20 years of experience in hospitality and F&B, Devyn van Niekerk has extensive expertise across hotels, restaurants, casinos, and entertainment venues. His background includes overseeing F&B operations, market entries, concept creation, and financial analysis. Devyn has worked with renowned restaurant brands like Nobu and Maze by Gordon Ramsay, bringing a wealth of knowledge to his role at Meliá Hotels International.
Niklas Wagner, General Manager, New World Saigon (Rosewood Hotel Group)
Niklas Wagner brings over two decades of F&B experience to his role as General Manager of New World Saigon, part of the Rosewood Hotel Group. His career spans managerial roles at Four Seasons and Hyatt, focusing on "Relationship Hospitality" to enhance guest experiences. Niklas is particularly interested in the intersection of technology, sustainability, and community engagement within the hospitality industry.
Business Card #2: Notable Names in Vietnam's F&B Scene
Yosuke Masuko and Sanae Masuko, Founders of Pizza 4P's
Pizza 4P’s, founded by Japanese couple Yosuke and Sanae Masuko, started in 2011 and has grown to 40 locations across Vietnam and Cambodia. Known for its farm-to-table ingredients and house-made cheese, Pizza 4P’s aims to promote mindfulness and inner peace through its carefully curated dining environment.
The restaurant has garnered international attention from media outlets such as the New York Times and BBC, and has been featured in Monocle World’s 50 Best Restaurants and AsiaBest50.
Quang Tran, Founder & CEO, Là Việt Coffee Co. Ltd
Quang Tran, Founder and CEO of La Viet Coffee, established the company in 2013 in Da Lat, Vietnam. La Viet is dedicated to elevating the quality of Vietnamese coffee to compete with the world’s finest. Quang’s vision is to position Vietnamese coffee as a global leader in quality.
Quan Ho, Deputy CEO, Vua Cua
With nearly a decade in the F&B sector, Quan Ho has held roles such as Project Director and Marketing Director before joining Vua Cua as Deputy CEO. He will discuss Vua Cua’s growth journey, including the recent investment following its appearance on Shark Tank Vietnam and additional funding from Beacon Fund.
Summer Le, Founder & Executive Chef, Nén Danang & Nén Light Restaurant and Adrian Chong Yen, Chef & Owner, Sol Kitchen & Bar
Summer Le and Adrian Chong Yen are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of modern cuisine with a focus on sustainability. Summer Le, Vietnam’s first MICHELIN Green Star recipient in 2024, sources 99% of her ingredients locally and collaborates with local communities to cultivate produce at Nén Farm.
Adrian Chong Yen, with a background in French and Spanish cuisine, has opened 13 restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City, showcasing a diverse range of global flavors.
John Pemberton, Founder, Heart of Darkness Brewery
John Pemberton, founder of Heart of Darkness Brewery, has been instrumental in establishing and expanding the brewery in Binh Duong since 2016. He has developed a range of beers distributed across ten countries and established bars in Saigon, Singapore, and Danang.
His efforts have helped build Heart of Darkness’s reputation for excellent customer service and an authentic craft bar experience.
Business Card #3: Diverse Solutions for Robust Growth
The Flavors Conference brings together experts from various fields, providing F&B brand owners with invaluable opportunities to learn and grow.
F&B Market Trends
Thue Quist Thomasen, CEO, Decision Lab
Thue Quist Thomasen, CEO of Decision Lab, brings over 20 years of experience in marketing, research, and consulting. His data-driven strategies have supported brand development and commercial growth for F&B companies in Vietnam, boosting foot traffic for leading coffee and fast-food chains.
Hoai Anh Pham, Head of Client Solutions, Vero
As Vero’s Head of Client Solutions, Hoai Anh Pham applies her deep understanding of the Vietnamese market to develop effective communication strategies for brands, including F&B projects. Her work includes driving Vero’s whitepaper on Vietnam’s Changing Eating Habits in 2022.
F&B Marketing
Nguyễn Hà Linh, Co-Founder & CMO, Bếp Thái Koh Yam, HẢOLA - Tứ Xuyên Vị Quán
Nguyễn Hà Linh’s expertise in the franchise business began with 3 Cong Cafe and expanded to Koh Yam Thai, now Bep Thai Koh Yam. She has successfully developed the brand to include 12 restaurants across Vietnam and is working on a new Sichuan-Chinese venture, HAOLA - Tu Xuyen Vi Quan.
Vu Duong, Marketing Director, IN Dining
With 14 years in hospitality, Vu Duong has focused on building strong brand presence and loyalty. His experience includes managing nearly 30 brands in various sectors, including international names like Le Méridien and Crystal Jade Palace. He has contributed to successful concepts such as Qui Lounge and Envy Nightclub.
Thuy Dinh, Head of Business Development, Buzzmetrics
Thuy Dinh brings 14 years of market and social media research experience, with 9 years in managerial roles. She provides consultancy and training for diverse industries, helping clients understand their customers and leverage social media to build strategic brand presence.
Phat Tran, F&B Vertical Lead, TikTok Vietnam
Phat Tran is an F&B Vertical Lead at TikTok Vietnam who specializes in helping F&B brands build brand awareness, brand preference, and achieve full-funnel business impact.
Tommy Tran, Marketing Manager, COOKED F&B Business School
Tommy Tran, with over a decade of experience in multi-channel communications, has held roles including CMO and Marketing Manager for leading F&B brands. His successful campaigns include work for Somtam ZAAP and Gather Vietnam, showcasing his expertise in the industry.
F&B Finance and Investment
Shuyin Tang, Co-Founder & CEO, Beacon Fund
Shuyin Tang, co-founder and CEO of Beacon Fund, leads a private debt fund supporting female entrepreneurs in Southeast Asia. Beacon focuses on the ‘missing middle’ of SMEs led by women or diverse teams, investing in companies like Lotus Group and Vua Cua.
Jack Nguyen, CEO of Vietnam, Incorp
Jack Nguyen, CEO of InCorp Vietnam, has over 25 years of international experience in accounting, finance, and HR services. With a background in both Canadian and Vietnamese accounting, Jack’s leadership aims to position InCorp as the preferred partner for businesses expanding into Vietnam.
Hao Tran, CEO, Vietcetera
Hao Tran, CEO of Vietcetera Media, co-founded the company in 2016. Vietcetera is a leading digital media network delivering content about trends in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. Hao’s insights on venture capital, technology startups, and the F&B sector have been featured in major media outlets.
F&B Solutions
Tony Nguyen, Managing Director, CloudEats
Tony Nguyen, with experience at BAEMIN Vietnam, now leads CloudEats Vietnam. The company offers cloud kitchen solutions, providing cost-effective commercial kitchen space for food delivery and takeout. Tony will share insights on adapting traditional F&B models to the growing delivery market.
Taku Tanaka, Founder & CEO, Kamereo
Taku Tanaka, founder and CEO of Kamereo, has transformed Vietnam’s F&B supply chain with his platform. His background at Pizza 4P’s informed his approach to improving procurement efficiency and sustainability for restaurants and suppliers.
Huyen Luong, Co-Founder, CEO ECO SOLUTIONS CONSULTING AND SERVICES JSC
Huyen Luong, co-founder and CEO of ECO Solutions, provides innovative environmental solutions for F&B companies and hotels. Her work includes waste, odor, and bacteria treatment, benefiting notable clients such as Pizza 4P’s and the JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi.
Hung Nguyen, Founder & CEO, S’mores Saigon Caffè (GOLDEN NEXTGEN FOOD JSC)
Hưng Nguyễn, founder of S’mores Saigon Caffè, is known for his expertise in F&B marketing and concept development. His experience includes creatively managing and operating F&B models, contributing to the brand’s success.
And many more speakers, industry leaders, and F&B professionals will join the event. Be a part of the F&B community at Flavors Conference 2024 to foster growth, exchange ideas, and drive the future of Vietnam’s food and beverage industry. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with experts and innovators who are shaping the industry’s next chapter.
Flavors Vietnam 2024, a partnership between Vietcetera and Mastercard, is a five-month long celebration of Vietnam's F&B scene. An annual occurrence since 2018, this year's theme is focused on “Crafting shared culinary experiences.”
Part of Flavors Vietnam 2024, Flavors Conference 2024 themed “Building a Resilient and Thriving F&B Industry in Vietnam” is a one-day event, bringing together F&B experts and communities to celebrate and elevate the Vietnamese F&B industry.
Place: New World Saigon Hotel, 76 Le Lai St., Dist. 1, HCMC
Date: 9:00 - 16:00, Wednesday, September 18th, 2024.
Buy tickets here!
For more details and to register for the event, visit website or contact us at @events.rsvp@vietcetera.com.
18+ Drink Responsibly.
Please do not share with those under legal drinking age.