THAIFEX – World of Food Asia celebrates 10 years with its largest showcase to date

THAIFEX – World of Food Asia, Asia’s most influential food & beverage, food technology and retail & franchise is back in its 11th year with a bigger and more impressive line-up.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year in Bangkok, Thailand from 21 – 25 May at the IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Center, the expansive exhibition has already sold more than 90% of its exhibition space, with an estimated growth of 10% from the record-breaking 2013. Visitors can look forward to more than 1,400 exhibitors from close to 40 countries occupying three Challenger halls comprising of 60,000sqm.

Over the last ten years, THAIFEX – World of Food Asia has grown steadily with a stronger line-up of international exhibitors. The 2014 edition promises solid international growth, with a 40% 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 artner 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).

Mr. Michael Dreyer, Vice President, Asia Pacific, Koelnmesse shares, “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.” Mr. Satoshi Shimomura, Director-General, Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and Food Department, Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) is confident that THAIFEX – World of Food Asia will be the ideal platform for Japan to showcase its products to the rest of the world.

Launching New Brands in Key Growth Segments 2014 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% 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.

Participation from China, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Korea and Malaysia are highly anticipated at the World of Coffee & Tea. Companies are welcoming the opportunity to showcase their products in these specialized segments. Says Ms. Pavinee Khetphansant, General Manager from Boncafe (Thailand) Ltd., “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.”

The World of FoodService is a must-attend for hospitality professionals, with its extensive showcase of equipment tailored to the every need of the industry. Visitors can look forward to 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. Silikal GmbH from Germany, a global partner for first rate industrial flooring will exhibit the Silikal reactive resin flooring, the ideal flooring for kitchens in hotels with its high scuff resistance, various anti-skid grades and attractive colours. The region of Toki in Japan is celebrated for their top quality porcelain, and visitors will have a chance to experience how Japanese aesthetics can be translated onto the dining table. Saiki Ichiyama Touen Co., Ltd, which hails from Toki, will showcase their latest range of tableware, designed for the food and beverage industry.

Mr Michael Dreyer, Vice President, Asia Pacific, Koelnmesse shares, “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. Looking at the current trends today, we feel that there is a need to develop and provide the industry with specialized platforms to meet, network and educate one another.“

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 honor the change makers who have made a positive impact on business results.

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. Hear from more than 20 distinguished international speakers 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 which will ensure your organization’s competitiveness within the industry to effectively manage a safe and secure global food supply.

Sourced: TravelDailyNews