Issue 51

The 13th edition of THAIFEX-World of Food Asia from May 25 to 29 showcased innovative products, celebrity chefs and the latest food and beverage trends.

Co-organised by the DITP, the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Koelnmesse GmbH, THAIFEX-World of Food Asia is Asia’s most comprehensive food and beverage show with products from all over the world.

Food and beverage is one of Thailand’s major industries with exports reaching US$24.4 billion in 2015.

“The food industry is one of the country’s most important industries,” says Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak. “The Thai government has implemented a policy to build a ‘Food Innopolis’ to research and develop food in terms of quality and packaging to create the food of the future.”

Although the government expects food exports to grow by 10% per annum over the next few years, the Ministry of Commerce has set a more modest target of 3% growth for 2016.

“The ministry also aims to target new groups of consumers such as halal consumers, Hispanics in the US, and new markets in the Middle East, Latin America, Africa and Russia,” says Jatusripitak.

Currently, Thailand exports food to more than 200 countries.

“The food industry has not only strengthened Thailand’s food stability but has also enabled the country to become the food production base in the ASEAN region,” says Commerce Minister Apiradi Tantraporn

THAIFEX organiser Koelnmesse is confident that Thailand has the potential to become the key player in the Asian food and beverage industry.

“THAIFEX-World of Food Asia maintains its position as the global player in the food and beverage industry by connecting Asia to the world,” says Michael Dreyer, managing director and vice president, Asia Pacific, Koelnmesse. “Thailand is the ideal hub for the food and beverage industry and the perfect home to THAIFEX.”

THAIFEX 2016 featured a Halal zone, Thai herbs zone, an Organic Supermarket, 60+ Project: Viva Tearoom, chef challenges and demonstrations at the Celebrity Coffee Bar, as well as special conferences and seminars. It is seen as an important venue for exhibitors to connect with new customers and promote their products.

“I believe that Thailand can be Kitchen of the World,” says Amnart Ussavachaiyakul, general manager of Thai Tanya, an exporter of dried fruits and snacks to over 10 countries. “THAIFEX enables us to promote new product lines every year.”

This year, the fair involved 1,919 exhibitors from 40 countries. An estimated 38,000 visitors came to the fair.

“The event generated more than US$270 million (9.64 billion baht), of which over US$268 million (9.55 billion) came from the three days of business negotiations,” DITP Director-General Malee Choklumlerd said. An estimated US$43 million (1.55 billion baht) were registered with a further US$224 (7.99 billion baht) in potential sales over the year. In addition retail sales amounted to more than US$2.3 million (83 million baht).

“Thaitrade.com also supported business matching during the fair, leading to 326 business negotiations,” Choklumlerd added.

The DITP will host THAIFEX-World of Food Asia 2017 from May 31 to June 4, 2017 at IMPACT, Muang Thong Thani, Bangkok.

Those interested in participating in the event can get more information from www.ditp.go.th or www.thaitradefair.com

Information and photos courtesy of the DITP

Words by Pimsirinuch Borsub