Thailand is expected to earn 70 billion baht from the five-day food and beverage trade fair THAIFEX-Anuga Asia 2023 as the event returns in full force for the first time since the COVID outbreak.

Organized by the Ministry of Commerce’s Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) in collaboration with the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Koelnmesse, the trade fair is welcoming over 3,000 exhibitors from more than 40 countries, and expects to attract more than 95,000 visitors. The event will be an active part of trade negotiations between Thai food and beverage entrepreneurs and their clients.

The event is being held at Impact Muang Thong Thani from 23to 27 May.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Jurin Laksanawisit, deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, stressed the role of the Thai government in supporting food exports and reducingthe barriers that obstruct export growth.

”The DITP has continuously promoted Thai food, which is one of our important ‘soft powers’. THAIFEX-Anuga Asia 2023 plays a major role in supporting the Ministry of Commerce’s ‘Thai food, the World’s food’ policy which aims to make Thailand the world’s biggest food exporter,” he said.

Last year, Thailand recorded a 22.7% increase in food exportswith an export value of 1.36 trillion baht. The country ranked the 15th biggest food exporter in the world as of 2022.

Jurin welcomed the return of the trade fair, noting that it provides a great opportunity for Thai entrepreneurs to meet and conduct trade negotiations face to face, and make up for the disruptions caused by the pandemic.

The commerce minister added that the country is blessed with diverse and abundant agricultural products including rice, vegetables, fruits, and cassava which strengthens the country’s position as a food supplier. Thailand also has earned an excellent reputation in food processing know-how, food innovation inventions, safety standards, and sustainability.

With the global population expected to reach 10 billion by 2050 up from the current 8 billion, the food industry can only continue to grow and Thailand stands ready to serve the world. “Apart from being the world’s kitchen, food will be the country’s soft power, making people all over the world fond of Thailand,” said Jurin.

In addition to the popular foods that contribute to Thailand’s food exports, the trade fair is also highlighting new emerging markets in its special zones including halal, organic produce, and future foods. It is expected that these three segments will become major forces in the Thai market in the years to come.

The pandemic has also increased awareness of the importance of good health among consumers around the world and this is also boosting the demand for products containing beneficial Thai herbs and natural ingredients.

The trade fair is also hosting a range of special activities including a chef competition and knowledge-sharing seminar, a special zone for halal food, future food and innovations, and exhibitions on trade information, Thai fruits, and Thai trade and food-related organizations.

By ThaiPBS World Feature Desk