Preview to THAIFEX- World of Food Asia 2017

ANTICIPATION is high as leaders, tastemakers and some of the world’s most influential food and beverage industry professionals gear up for the next THAIFEX-World of Food Asia. Scheduled to take place from May 31 to June 4 at the Impact Exhibition and Convention Center in Muang Thong Thani, Bangkok, the show is primed to be one of the most comprehensive experiences yet. As many as 45,000 professionals are expected to attend this year, with brands from more than 40 countries being represented over the five-day event.

A press conference attended by both local and international media was held at the SO Sofitel Bangkok on Thursday, 16 March 2017 where participants were treated to a preview of some of the vendors and food products that will showcased during the upcoming tradeshow. Several high-profile industry leaders were in attendance and Mrs. Malee Choclumlerd, Director General for the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), had this to say: “Thaifex is one of the best food events. The exhibition has become more and more popular each year and is a platform for Thailand to be the kitchen of the world.  The Thai food industry is one of the major sectors instrumental in driving forward this country’s economy. In 2016, Thailand was the number one food importer to ASEAN countries and ranked the world’s 12^th biggest food importer.”

VIPs who addressed the press. From left: Chef Jamnong Nirungsan, President Mentor, Thailand Chefs Association; Dr Bangon Kietthanakorn, Vice Managing Director, Thai-China Flavours and Fragrances Industry Co., Ltd; Mr Phusit Ratanakul Sereroengrit, Director of Office of Agricultural and Industrial Business Development, Thai Select; Mr Supapat Ongsangkoon, Deputy Director-General, Department of International Trade Promotion; Mr Mathias Kuepper, Managing Director, Koelnmesse Pte Ltd; Mrs Malee Choklumlerd, Director-General, Department of International Trade Promotion; Mr Kalin Sarasin, Vice Chairman, Thai Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade of Thailand; Ms Wendy Lim, General Manager, Business Unit Food at Koelnmesse Pte Ltd; Mr Phusit Sasitaranondha, Managing Director, Expolink Global Network Ltd; Mr Victor Mah, President, ASEAN Coffee Federation

The media conference showcased several exhibition booths in three zones designated as the World of Food Service, World of Coffee & Tea, and World of Seafood, which mimic the three specialized trade pavilions that will span nine mega halls and over 93,500 square meters of space at the upcoming trade show. It was highlighted by several companies that set up exhibition booths including Koelnmesse, Sea Value, Malee, CP, Mitr Phol, Nipponham, Blue Elephant, and Avens Pure and Starbucks, to name just a few. Guests were invited to sample a tasty array of food and beverages while getting a first-hand preview of the tastes to come at THAIFEX- World of Food Asia 2017.  

Another highlight was the Celebrity Coffee Bar, which lured people in with the intoxicating aroma and full-size free samples of steaming hot cups of cappuccino and lattes. “The celebrity coffee bar will have a whole range of different methods for preparing and enjoying coffee. We will also seriously be looking at sustainability issues in coffee farming. We really need to take care of mother earth and we will be exploring and expanding on many of these issues during Thaifex”, shared Victor Mah, founder and president of ASEAN Coffee Federation.

According to Victor Mah, founder and president of the ASEAN Coffee Federation, sustainability in coffee farming will be a topic of concern at the conference

Another popular pavilion was the Thailand Ultimate Chef Challenge booth, which was an opportunity to meet Chef Jamnong Nirungsan who is the current President Mentor of the Thailand Chefs Association. This meeting allowed everyone to learn the details of the upcoming competition which will take place during THAIFEX- World of Food Asia 2017. The chef competition will run concurrently with the qualifying round of the 2018 Worldchefs Congress with over 1300 chefs from 10 countries participating.  “We are very excited to be a part of Thaifex this year, it is a great opportunity to nurture local talent and give them an international platform”, shard Chef Jamnong.   

Primed as Asia’s biggest International trade exhibition for food & beverages, food technology and retail & franchise, THAIFEX-World of Food Asia 2017 will highlight several primary areas and activities including the “Thaifex Trends Zone”, the food competition, conferences and live activities, along with their newly instituted “Innovation Zone”.

“Thaifex is an important event for DITP, and this marks the 14th year that we have teamed up with key partners to hold such an event on an international scale.  In order to thrust Thailand into achieving the top position as a global food innovation hub and center of research and development, the Ministry of Commerce has worked to strengthen ties with trading partners by reducing trade barriers and boosting the potential of operators to help them sustainably and effectively operate in global markets”, says Mrs. Malee Choclumlerd.   Another one of the key speakers in attendance was Mr. Mathias Kuepper, Managing Director of Koelnmesse, who shared these final words, “It’s important to remember the benefits of Thaifex are far reaching for not just Thailand, but all of ASEAN. There will be a lot of activities and innovations to be shared while showcasing industry trends in active seminars and workshops.”