Thailand is solidifying its position as a leader in food production and a global favorite for cuisine. That ambition was very much in evidence at THAIFEX-ANUGA ASIA 2024, Asia’s most prominent food and beverage trade show, which is being held at the IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Center until June 1.
The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) is organizing this highly anticipated event, attracting over 80,000 visitors from 130 countries.
THAIFEX-ANUGA ASIA is a one-stop shop for everything food and beverage related, from instant meals to ready-to-eat options, frozen food, ingredients, beverages, and even machinery. It’s a crucial platform for all businesses in the food industry.
The private sector is showcasing its latest technology and products, while the DITP has put on an exhibition highlighting Thailand’s future food potential.
Thailand’s Future Food on Display
This exhibition emphasizes Thailand’s ability to produce high-quality, export-standard future food and encourages its consumption domestically and internationally. Organized under the concept of a “Food Arcade,” the exhibition features engaging activities.
Visitors can learn about Thai future food through four main categories:
- Functional Food and Functional Ingredients: Products designed to enhance nutrient intake, reduce harmful substances, and promote overall well-being. Examples include nutritional supplements and probiotics.
- Medical Food and Personalized Food: Medically-supervised products used as substitutes or complements to medication, providing patients with the right nutrients for their specific needs.
- Organic Food and Whole Foods: These foods emphasize natural production methods and are free from chemicals.
- Alternative Protein: Offering higher protein content than conventional options, these include plant-based proteins, insect proteins, cultured fungi, algae proteins, and new options like lab-grown meat.
Over 40 future food products from Thai entrepreneurs, categorized and packaged sustainably, are on display. Visitors can engage in interactive activities to learn more, enjoy commemorative gifts like gelato ice cream, and sample products directly from exhibitors.
For those wanting to go deeper, Hall 5 houses all future food exhibits, including protein from insects and plant-based options.
A Global Food Powerhouse
This year marks the 32nd edition of THAIFEX-ANUGA ASIA, featuring 6,000 booths from exhibitors in over 30 countries. The event fosters direct interaction between businesses, traders, and importers.
The DITP also plans to leverage Thai SELECT-certified restaurants overseas as showrooms to promote Thai products, further boosting Thailand’s global soft power and brand image.
The opening ceremony, presided over by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Phumtham Wechayachai on May 28, highlighted the event’s revenue generation potential of an estimated 100 billion baht, with 60 billion accruing to Thai businesses.
The food industry is a pillar of the Thai economy. Food exports in 2023 grew by 2.7% compared to the previous year, reaching over US$39 billion (approximately 1.37 trillion baht). This growth was driven by rising demand in China (+25.9%) and ASEAN (+21.5%).
Thailand currently ranks as the world’s 12th largest food exporter, a significant improvement from its 15th position in 2022. Thai food exports in 2024 are projected to grow by 2% year-on-year, reaching an estimated US$40 billion (over THB 1.4 trillion).
Thai Herbs: A Focus on Wellness
The Department of Business Development is also showcasing the concept of “Think Wellness, Think Thai Herbs” at the fair, promoting Thai herbs alongside food and beverages.
Deputy Commerce Minister Napintorn Srisunpang highlighted the participation of 20 Thai herb producers in the “SMART Local Herb” zone.
The aim is to raise brand awareness and encourage the use of Thai herbs for improved health.
Thai herbs are known for their unique characteristics and heritage, rooted in traditional Thai medicinal wisdom. They are high-quality raw materials with established production standards.
When combined with innovations that expand product variety, they cater perfectly to the needs of modern consumers. Thai herbs also hold immense potential as future food products.
The five biggest markets for Thai herbs are Myanmar, China, the United States and Japan.
