Premier food event projects $3 billion in sales orders

RECORDING an unprecedented 25,270 in visitor numbers and closing with immediate sales orders of close to US$134 million over three days, the ninth edition of the premier sourcing platform for food and hospitality trade buyers reaffirmed its position as one of the leaders in Asia Pacific's food and hospitality industries. Showcasing the best in the culinary trade, THAIFEX  - World of Asia is projecting that the value of sales orders within the year will be over US$3 billion.

An extensive showcase from 1,104 exhibitors from 28 countries, including Bangladesh, China, France, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Turkey and Viet Nam, were represented on the trade floor this year. This is a rise of close to 10% from the year before, underscoring the event's growing influence in the region.

Visitors to THAIFEX - World of Food Asia were impressed by the tantalising flavours from the unique products and services on display from exhibitors from Asia, Europe and the United States. Over 80% of these are repeat exhibitors who have come to regard this event as an important gateway for exchange and networking in the region.

"THAIFEX - World of Food Asia provided an excellent opportunity for us to introduce our products to the wider South East Asian market. This is our third time exhibiting here and the visitor turnout was notable. The chance to meet with various business representatives including those from Taiwan and Korea, allowed us to make new contacts and further our goals in establishing our brand in this region," said Sunny Koh, managing director, Chinatown Food Corporation (Singapore, Oriental RTE foods). Other leading brands from the region such as OWL International (Singapore, speciality coffees) and Affinity Food Co. Ltd (Taiwan, bakery products) were also represented. "I was highly impressed with the ease at which smaller businesses such as ours could network and exchange business opportunities," said first-timer Vincent Lee, president, Affinity Food.

Noting his company's potential to further extend its reach across Asia, Mr Lee said, "THAIFEX - World of Food Asia welcomes an international and diverse range of companies from larger enterprises to smaller outfits, providing ample opportunities for the exchange of ideas."

Asia's growing dominance in key industries
The foodservice segment was one of the stars this year, recording over 30 percent growth in floor space from the year before. Showcasing over 120 of the region's finest in foodservice equipment and supplies, the segment occupied close to 3,000 square metres on the trade floor. The seafood section was also a hive of activity, drawing importers, wholesalers, retailers and foodservice buyers to its array of fresh and processed seafood products.

The massive array of seafood products clearly highlighted Asia's dominance in the seafood production industry, as well as its role as a producer, exporter and buyer in the world market. Companies such as P.F.P Trading, Prantalay Marketing, and Thai Union Manufacturing delighted visitors with their generous offerings of canned and frozen seafood products on display.

"It is exciting to see the selection of products and services available to buyers and visitors. The trade fair offered many prospects for businesses to connect and extend the reach of their products beyond Asia," said Ms Dang Thi Thu Thuy, trade specialist, Vietnam Fruit & Vegetable Association (VINAFRUIT) of her second time at THAIFEX.

"[It's] certainly an important venue for food and hospitality players who are keen to do business in Asia," she added. "I saw representatives from many countries, such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Switzerland and the U.S."

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