Food exhibition tipped to pull in Bt10 billion

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Food exhibition tipped to pull in Bt10 billion
By   THE NATION

 

BANGKOK: -- THAIFEX-World of Food Asia will generate Bt10 billion in trade value over the five days of the exhibition in Bangkok, the Commerce Ministry estimates.

 

The event, which opened yesterday and runs until Sunday, is being held at the Impact Exhibition and Convention Centre.

 

The ministry has a target of US$26 billion in food exports for this year, up 8 per cent from the US$24 billion achieved last year, said Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak at the opening the event yesterday.

 

The event has been organised by Koelnmesse Pte Ltd, the Department of International Trade Promotion and the Thai Chamber of Commerce.

 

The exhibition, representing a partnership between the private and public sectors, will also address the concerns of the food and beverage industry in Asia while highlighting Thailand’s place at the heart of the Asean Economic Community.

 

Modelled on the global trade show Anuga, the organises of the Bangkok show say it promises visitors unprecedented access to international business opportunities, and also taps into the organisers’ wealth of experience in gathering the region’s movers and shakers in the food and beverage sector.

 

“As we chart policies to let the world know more about Thai food, we believe that THAIFEX-World of Food Asia is a valuable platform to push Thailand to become the centre of food and food-related technology and services to the regional audience,” Malee Choklumlerd, director general of the department of International Trade Promotion of Commerce Ministry, said.

 

She added that the event has seen a 13.2 per cent increase in international participation, with newcomer exhibitors from Australia, Poland, Scotland and the United States. This strong presence also complements the participation from returning countries such as China, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Turkey and Vietnam, she added.

 

Malee said visitors can expect a wide selection of the latest products, services and technologies from more than 2,000 local and international exhibitors.

 

Mathias Kuepper, managing director of Koelnmesse, said: “We want to help facilitate the integration of Asean with global markets, and establish a brand that is closely associated with quality, innovation, trends and significant trade opportunities.

 

“The international showcase at this year’s event is a clear testimony of our commitment.

 

“It is important that we put together an influential platform for businesses to thrive and sustain in the long term. We hope that visitors can have a fruitful experience as we continue to create value, and evolve with the new trends together.”

 

 Kalin Sarasin, chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, said: “THAIFEX-World of Food Asia is becoming increasingly international in flavour with exhibitors, visitors and buyers globally. 

 

“This makes it the perfect launch pad for Thai businesses to grow and expand beyond their local roots.”

 

Most of the Thai food-processing firms are introducing new products at the event, with high hopes for export growth. Oishi Group is introducing its products under theme “King of Japanese Food”, with a range of snacks and bakery products targeted at the export market. Charoen Pokphand Foods has released products under concept, “Sustainable Kitchen of the World”, with an emphasis on innovation, quality and food safety.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/news/business/EconomyAndTourism/30316850

 

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