Trade show/Thaifex -Anuga Asia 2024

Editorial staff

DITP joins hands with private sector giants to launch "Thaifex -Anuga Asia 2024”, aiming for purchase orders exceeding hundreds of billions baht.

The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), Ministry of Commerce of Thailand (TCC), The Thai Chamber of Commerce, and Koelnmesse (KM), are set to host Thaifex-Anuga Asia 2024, the largest food and beverage trade show in Asia, from May 28, to June 1, 2024 at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani. Under the concept of “Beyond Food Experience”, the event will provide a platform for food and beverage businesses, retailers, supermarkets, department stores, hotels, hypermarkets, restaurants, and those seeking to find partners and negotiate business deals to connect with leading Thai and international companies.

Participants will stay updated on the latest product trends and consumer demands to enhance business success. Business negotiations will take place over five days, and the general public will be allowed to visit and purchase products on the final day of the event.

Phusit Ratanakul Sereroengrit, DITP director-general, said that the food industry is one of the most important sectors contributing to Thailand's exports. In 2023, food exports expanded by 2.7% from the previous year, amounting to a value of 39.89 billion US$ or approximately 1.37 trillion baht. For 2024, it is expected that Thai food exports will increase by around 2%, estimated at a value of approximately 40.69 billion US$ or over 1.4 trillion baht. This growth is supported by the recovery of developing and emerging economies and the tourism and service sectors, as well as the favorable exchange rate of the Thai baht, which is beneficial to Thailand's export sector.

In addition, the El Nino phenomenon has reduced agricultural production, leading to increased demand for food.

"Thaifex-Anuga Asia is an opportunity for entrepreneurs in the food and beverage industry as it serves as a global trading platform that creates new market opportunities. This event not only emphasizes Thailand's potential as a leader in producing and exporting high-quality food on a global scale, following the Thai Kitchen to the World policy of Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce, but also gathers food industry entrepreneurs from around the world who conduct business according to international standards, focusing on sustainability and complying with labor standards, production standards, and food safety standards to meet the needs of consumers worldwide," Mr. Phusit said.

This year, Thaifex-Anuga Asia will feature over 3,000 exhibitors from more than 50 countries/regions, occupying over 6,000 booths. The event is expected to attract over 80,000 visitors from all around the world . The estimated total value of orders placed at the event this year will exceed 100 billion baht.

In addition to showcase a wide range of products, the event will offer new experiences for participants through six special zones including Thaifex-Anuga future food market, halal market, organic market, startup, taste innovation show and trend zone.

Kitsana Vachekrilas, secretary general of The Thai Chamber of Commerce, said in 2023 Thailand was ranked the 12th largest food exporter in the world, up from 15th in 2022. Thaifex-Anuga Asia serves as a successful platform that plays a significant role in the food and beverage industry in Thailand and the Asian food and beverage industry, especially for Thai entrepreneurs, both large and small, as well as startups, who will have the opportunity to introduce their products to both domestic and international markets. The event is also ranked among the top four food industry trade shows in the world.

" Thaifex-Anuga Asia 2024 features more exciting highlights than ever before, particularly innovations in environmentally-friendly and sustainable food-related products. These are not just trends; they represent a new lifestyle that everyone is starting to adopt seriously,” Mr Kitsana said.

Highlights those will be showcased this year including products with reduced carbon footprints and reduced food waste.

Mathias Kuepper, managing director and vice president of Koelnmesse Asia Pacific, said that today's consumers are increasingly prioritising health and well-being, which is driving demand for products that promote a healthy lifestyle. Thaifex-Anuga Asia 2024 will showcase a wide range of innovative products that are responding to this trend, including plant-based protein or confectionery that supports child health development.

More than 2,000 overseas exhibitors will join the event this year, 12% higher than the previous year. New exhibiting countries include Bolivia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Ivory Coast, Macedonia, Mexico, and Yemen, alongside the inclusion of new country groups such as Macao and Canada, underscore the event's expanding reach and influence.