Bigger, broader trade exhibits at THAIFEX

THAIFEX-World of Food Asia 2015 aims at a wider range of product exhibits showcasing current and upcoming trends and technologies in the industry. 

 

This year’s edition will welcome visitors to a much bigger exhibition space spanning 70,000 square metres when it opens on May 20 at the IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Center in Bangkok, Thailand. The five-day trade fair will highlight the latest in food and beverage, food catering, food technology, hospitality service, and retail and franchise. 

 

 

Returning countries such as Brazil, Japan, Korea, and Turkey have confirmed increased participation whilst potential new country groups including Germany, Peru, and Mexico, will expand their exhibits further.

 

Trade visitors can expect a more focused experience with the bigger World of Food Service, launched last year to cater to the requirements and demands of the food service industry. This event will host individual product segments and supporting programmes designed to enhance knowledge and skills and encourage networking. Exhibits will cover the entire spectrum of the food service industry, with sections for bakery and pastry equipment, bar and kitchen accessories and technologies, chilling, freezing and refrigeration technologies, hospitality software technologies, consultancy and services, distribution systems, tables  and tableware to linens and uniforms. 

 

Michael Dreyer, vice president for Asia Pacific of show organiser Koelnmesse Pte Ltd noted the increase in international participation in the show year-on-year.  “The expansion of World of Food Service is a very natural progress for us so we can deliver more opportunities to our exhibitors, as well as more conducive experiences for the visitors. We have been very encouraged by the support for the new direction of World of Food Service, and we are working to deliver a whole new experience for our exhibitors and visitors," he said. 

 

Culinary & barista showcase, coffee seminars

 

Complementary programmes reflect industry developments and provide exciting learning opportunities for manufacturers and buyers alike. These include world-class culinary competitions and barista demonstrations to be held at Hall 9. 

 

The Asia selection of Global Chef Challenges, one of culinary world's most prestigious competitions, will be held for the first time in Thailand during the show. Organised by Worldchefs, the global network of chefs representing 10 million chefs from more than 100 countries worldwide, this competition is divided into three categories—the Global Chefs, the Global Pastry Chefs, and the Hans Bueschkens Young Chefs Challenge   

 

The Thailand Ultimate Chef Challenge will also be held alongside THAIFEX-World of Food Asia 2015. The annual competition will bring together chefs from more than 13 countries. Competing chefs will break traditional grounds in themed preparation, fancy plating, and timed competitions for this fourth edition of the major event. 

 

In addition, newly crowned 2015 barista champions from all over Southeast Asia will showcase their skills at the Celebrity Coffee Bar. The baristas will share their expertise with show attendees through tastings and interaction.  

 

Coffee professionals looking to upgrade and update their skills can join the SCAE Certified Trainings and Boncafe Training sessions led by top professionals.   

 

Conferences & sourcing prospects

 

The concurrent seminar series will bring participants up to date whilst promoting networking and sourcing opportunities.  

 

The Asian Food Franchising Forum will explore the latest developments and opportunities in the industry. At the Food Service Forum, food experts from Thailand and the Great IndoChina region will discuss operational issues and introduce innovative concepts. Comprehensive case studies will allow participants to look into real-world application of challenges and ideas. There will also be opportunities to discuss ideas with fellow food service professionals. 

 

The Food Safety Conference will bring together 200 F&B manufacturers, processors, producers, retailers, vendors, and government representatives to discuss the latest policies, regulations, innovative approaches, and technological advancements for global assurance of food safety and quality.

 

The show will also be complemented by Out of the Box, a funky concept combining live music, keynote speakers, and a showcase of finest coffee equipment that has been held in Stockholm, Athens, Berkeley, and Milan. This Asian edition, which will be held on May 23, is expected to be the biggest in the region. 

 

There will be presentations by beverage manufacturers and La Marzocco. Discussions will include the heritage of coffee and the effects on the Southeast Asian market. Speakers will include La Marzocco export area manager Andrea Curtarelli and Boncafe vice president Charles Kutner.