Issue 49

Over 1,800 food companies from 40 countries will showcase their products at Asia’s second largest food trade fair.

Co-organised by the DITP, the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Koelnmesse GmbH, THAIFEX-World of Food Asia has significantly boosted exports of Thai food products in recent years, as well as aiding the country’s economy.

“THAIFEX-World of Food Asia is one of our strategies to promote Thailand as the kitchen of the world,” says DITP Director-General Malee Choklumlerd. “It also enhances the acceptance of Thai food products and food services in the global market.”

Thailand’s food exports were valued at US$24.4 billion in 2015. This year, the DITP plans to increase exports to markets such as the ASEAN countries, China and the Middle East. THAIFEX plays an important role in the department’s strategy.

“This annual fair has played a vital role in developing the food and beverages industry in Thailand and the region as we can see producers from different countries join the event to showcase their products and technologies as well as seeking new business partners,” Choklumlerd says.

In 2015, the five-day fair generated US$234 million (8,189 million baht). Around US$40 million (1,406 million baht) of this was in immediate transactions and US$192 million (6,709.2 million baht) in potential sales over the year, while retail sales raised a further US$2 million (73.8 million baht).

THAIFEX attracted 6,422 foreign visitors last year, with food exhibitors coming from China, South Korea, Malaysia, Japan, Taiwan, Germany, Italy, Singapore, Vietnam and Turkey.

Held from May 25 to 29 at the IMPACT, Muang Thong Thani, Bangkok, Choklumlerd anticipates 2016’s THAIFEX to be as successful as the previous year’s fair.

“We expect that this year immediate transactions and retail selling will not be less than last year because the economies of our trade partners are getting better, therefore, it is estimated that demand for food products will be increasing as well,” she says.

The DITP is encouraging Thai entrepreneurs nationwide to participate in the fair, and is organising training sessions and seminars on the food industry and its trends, as well as offering advice to Thai food exporters.

THAIFEX-World of Food Asia 2016 will be open for trade from May 25 to 29 (10am to 6pm), and the fair will be open to the general public from May 28 to 29 (10am to 8pm).

For more information, visit www.ditp.go.th and www.thailandfoodfair.com.

Information and photos courtesy of the DITP

Words by Somhatai Mosika