Organisers of the 15th edition of THAIFEX-World of Food Asia – Koelnmesse Pte Ltd, the Thai government’s Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), and the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) – have unveiled new programmes targeted to further boost business conversations and transactions at the upcoming event, which returns from 29th May to 2nd June 2018.

 

Boosting business opportunities 


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The gateway to ASEAN’s food and beverage (F&B) industry, THAIFEX-World of Food Asia is strategically positioned to penetrate a region that is expected to grow 5.1 per cent in 2018, according to a FocusEconomics Consensus Forecast. Moreover, the ASEAN region is projected to rank as the fourth largest economy by 2050, according to IHS. 

 

To devote more time and open up opportunities for business, five days will be dedicated for trade visitors – up from three in 2017 – with the event this year expected to host 60,000 visitors from all over the world (a 10-per-cent increase on visitor numbers last year).

 

An expanded and improved hosted buyer programme will also facilitate trade and commerce for over 3,000 buyers. This is the largest contingent of buyers hosted at an F&B trade show – a feat made possible only by the unique synergistic partnership between the private and public sector organisers of the upcoming event. Key hosted buyers include Capital Retail Ltd (Myanmar), Indoguna (Cambodia), Kaimay Trading (Singapore), PANDURASA KHARISMA (Indonesia), PHDeli (Philippines), and Premium Distribution (Myanmar). 

 

“The best experience for business networking”

 

“THAIFEX-World of Food Asia is the show that the F&B industry must be at if they are looking for trade opportunities in the ASEAN and Indochina regions. The inclusion of new elements over the years is indicative of the fast-changing environment – and it is crucial that we continue to strengthen our offerings to deliver the best experience for business networking,” said Mathias Kuepper, Managing Director at Koelnmesse Pte Ltd, organiser of THAIFEX-World of Food Asia 2018. “It is three months prior to the event, and we are already recording very positive registration figures, as well as sign-ups for the hosted buyer programme. Numbers speak for themselves, and these are a testament to the event’s ability to provide a highly valuable platform for visitors and exhibitors to congregate,” he continued.

 

Thailand: the world’s kitchen

 

Chantira Jimreivat Vivatrat, Director-General, Department of International Trade Promotion, also commented on how THAIFEX-World of Food Asia opens up the global market to the country’s players in the industry. “Thailand is the largest food exporter in South East Asia, with the country’s food exports forecast to reach US$27.4bn this year, according to Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak. We are always striving to boost the potential of Thai players so that they become competent and competitive, so as to help them sustainably and efficiently operate in global markets. And THAIFEX-World of Food Asia is the optimal platform for this.”


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“Indeed, THAIFEX-World of Food Asia boosts the competitiveness of Thailand by bringing global and local players onto a single platform and showcase their world-class products and services in F&B,” said Kalin Sarasin, Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade of Thailand, and Chairman of the Tourism Authority of Thailand Board of Directors. “This trade show helps place Thai F&B entrepreneurs, and small and medium enterprises, on the world map of quality, expertise and innovation, reinforcing Thailand’s position as ‘Kitchen of the World’.”

 

Thaifex – bigger and better in 2018

 

Playing host to more than 2,500 exhibitors from 40 countries and regions, THAIFEX-World of Food Asia 2018 will house its largest congregation of international and local exhibitors in a space that is 14 per cent bigger than last year.  It will showcase 11 masterfully crafted trade shows across all 11 mega halls (up from nine halls previously) at the IMPACT Exhibition & Convention Center. 

 

Visitors can expect an unparalleled exhibition across the segments of Fine Food, Meat, Food Service, Food Technology, Coffee & Tea, Drinks, Sweets & Confectionery, Frozen Food, Seafood, Rice, and Fruits & Vegetables. 

 

“THAIFEX-World of Food Asia has been a mainstay in our business calendars since its inception, because of the vital role it plays in growing and supporting our growth in the region,” said Vittavat Tantivess, Executive Vice President of Marketing at Charoen Pokphand Foods PCL – the Thailand-headquartered agri-food giant. “We’re excited to be part of the refreshed edition, and believe that it will fully support our objectives to meet valuable buyers and cement our footprint in the the industry.”
 

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This year’s event also welcomes Argentina as the official partner country, and more than 40 country and provincial pavilions, including new exhibitor groups from Belgium and Sicily, Italy. “Argentina is honoured to be the partner country for THAIFEX-World of Food Asia 2018. This is an important food trade show for us to penetrate the South East Asia market, one of the most dynamic trading regions globally. As a leading food producer and exporter, we look forward to contributing with our innovative and high quality solutions that adhere to the most stringent sanitary and environmental standards to Asian consumers. We are excited to be participating in the trade show for the first time, and look forward to strengthening and generating new commercial bonds,” said Ch. E. Juan José Ciácera, General Secretary of the Federal Council of Investments (CFI).


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Knowledge exchange takes centre-stage 


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Continuing the positive partnership, Innova Market Insights returns as the official knowledge partner to THAIFEX-World of Food Asia. Making a debut this year is the ‘THAIFEXtaste Innovation Show’, where in-depth analysis on the opportunities and challenges driving the F&B landscape will be showcased, alongside top consumer trends around packaging, technology and flavours that are taking product development forward in 2018.

 

Following the successful launch of the Top 50 Innovative Products last year, the segment will also return for exhibitors to submit entries on their innovative products or technologies. Those submissions will be reviewed by a panel of media partners, Innova Market Insights, and the organising committee. 

 

Innovative products crowned last year included gluten-free beer, quinoa nuggets, and rice oil spray. 

 

Three other special shows that are also expected to be launched at THAIFEX-World of Food Asia this year are the Halal, Organic and Franchise markets. 

 

More information can be found here: http://www.worldoffoodasia.com/trends-tomorrow

 

Popular live events make a comeback in 2018

 

Returning to THAIFEX-World of Food Asia 2018 continues to host two highly anticipated public events – the Celebrity Coffee Bar (CCB) and the Thailand Ultimate Chef Challenge (TUCC). 
 

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The fourth edition of CCB will see participation from some of the world’s best baristas and brewers – including Arnon Thitiprasert, who received the highest honour in the field of creative coffee arts as the World Latte Art Champion in 2017. Visitors can look forward to observing the technical prowess and picking up a few tips and tricks from those leading baristas.
 


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Moving into its seventh year in 2018, TUCC returns with a bang and an added dimension to the festivities by hosting the Asian Cuisine Challenge – open to all professional and junior chefs. Participants will be challenged to prepare authentic Asian dishes – such as curry and wok-fried eats – in just 50 minutes. 

 

THAIFEX World of Food Asia 2018 will be held from 29th May to 2nd June 2018 at the IMPACT Exhibition & Convention Center in Bangkok, Thailand. 

 

More information about the event is available here: www.thaifexworldoffoodasia.com