It’s All in Thailand: Thaifex – World of Food Asia 2014 Preview
With less than two months until this year’s grand opening, the annual international exhibition taking place in Thailand this May 21-25 prepares to celebrate 10 years covering food & beverage, food catering, food technology, hospitality service as well as retail & franchise.
The largest showcase to date is closing in on preparations, with more than 1,400 exhibiting companies worldwide, and 90 percent sold-out space since March, according to the organisers’ announcement.
One of Asia’s most influential trade fairs for food & beverage industries, Thaifex – World of Food Asia is back in its 11th edition at the Impact Exhibition and Convention Centre in Bangkok, Thailand with an estimated growth of 10 percent compared to 2013. Exhibitors from close to 40 countries will be occupying the three Challenger halls, adding to 60,000 sqm, with a 40 percent increase of exhibition space in the Fine Food segment and stronger presence from international participation from Brazil, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Korea, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and Vietnam.
Another milestone this year is the appointment of Japan as the second partner country, with more than 70 exhibitors on showcase. Of this, more than 50 exhibitors from 21 regions will be organized together in a Japan Pavilion, led by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO).
“Japan is celebrated and respected for its strong food and beverage culture, and a stellar reputation for tradition and innovations. We believe its delegation will contribute greatly to the show,” according to Michael Dreyer, vice president, Asia Pacific, Koelnmesse.
Launching New Brands in Key Growth Segments
This year’s edition of World of Food Asia sees the launch of two new brands: The World of Coffee & Tea – a professional coffee and tea trade fair poised to be Asia’s leading sourcing, trading and knowledge platform for the coffee and tea industry; and World of FoodService – the international trade exhibition for the food service, catering and hospitality industry in Asia.
World of Seafood, a professional trade fair catering to the seafood and frozen seafood industry that was launched in 2013, will return with a stronger second edition. These new brands, powered by THAIFEX – World of Food Asia, are designed to provide specialized platforms for these growing industries. In its first edition last year, World of Seafood played host to more than 170 seafood exhibitors from around the region. The line-up in 2014 boasts an increase of 10 per cent in exhibition space, with participation from major players in the Thai seafood processing industry including Thai Union Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (THE), P.F.P. Trading Co., Ltd and Prantalay Marketing Co., Ltd.
A look back at 2012’s edition:
All In for Coffee and Tea
Participation from China, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Korea and Malaysia are highly anticipated at the World of Coffee & Tea, as companies are welcoming the opportunity to showcase their products in these specialized segments. Says
“With a specialized segment within the show, we know that the visitors we meet are either working in or are interested in the coffee sector. By being here, it allows us to reach out to a more targeted audience,” said Pavinee Khetphansant, general manager of Boncafe (Thailand).
The World of FoodService
A must-attend for hospitality professionals, with its extensive showcase of equipment tailored to the every need of the industry, World of FoodService will showcase the latest range of products spanning from refrigeration and equipment, point of sales systems to hotel and catering services. There will also be a strong showing of Thai companies showing off their creativity and innovation with new collections of tableware, textiles and uniforms.
“The demands of the markets are always changing. Over the last 10 years, we have grown THAIFEX – World of Food Asia into a more international exhibition,” said Michael Dreyer, vice president, Asia Pacific, Koelnmesse.
Cream of the Crop: ASEAN Food Industry Thought Leaders Panel
New to THAIFEX – World of Food Asia this year, the ASEAN Food Industry Thought Leaders Panel will focus on the topic “AEC 2015 – ASEAN Power of the Future: Advancing food security & expediting food trade and investment in the light of AEC 2015”. This panel brings together key executives from the food and beverage industry, to discuss prospective business and investment opportunities for building strategic alliances, and is a promise for greater networking and knowledge sharing opportunities.
A Better World: World of Food Safety Excellence Award and Conference
To recognize and celebrate the achievements of those who made exceptional contributions to food safety and consumer satisfaction, the inaugural World of Food Safety Excellence Awards will honour the change makers who have made a positive impact on business results. Nominations can still be submitted.
The 2nd World of Food Safety conference in 2014 will review latest strategies to achieve higher standards, identify potential regional and international food safety threats, discuss recent food safety incidents, and learn about the approaches industry leaders have used to tackle the issues head on. More than 20 distinguished international speakers will be attending, including Yves Rey (Danone Group, France), Bizhan Pourkomailian (McDonald’s Europe, UK), Awilo Ochieng Pernet (Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office, Switzerland), Chong Nyet China (NTUC FairPrice Co-operative Limited, Singapore) and many others.
The World of Food Safety conference will also highlight new and superior technologies available to effectively manage a safe and secure global food supply.