THAIFEX 2014 indicates solid growth

AS PROMISED by organisers last year, Thaifex – World of Food Asia will return with a more impressive line-up in 2014. Touted as the most influential food & beverage, food technology and retail & franchise trade fair, the show expects over 1,400 exhibitors from 40 countries. To date, more than 90% of its exhibition space is sold out.

Scheduled from 21-25 May at the IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Centre, the 2014 edition assures solid international growth, with a 40% increase in exhibition space at the Fine Food segment and stronger presence from Brazil, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and Viet Nam.

Japan up-close

This year, Japan is appointed as the second partner country, with about 70 exhibitors. Of this, more than 50 exhibitors from 21 regions will be organised together in the Japan Pavilion, and will be led by the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO).

“Japan is celebrated and respected for its strong food and beverage culture, and a stellar reputation for tradition and innovations,” said Michael Dreyer, vice president, Asia Pacific, Koelnmesse. “We believe its delegation will contribute greatly to the show.”

Satoshi Shimomura, director-general, Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and Food Department at JETRO is confident that this event will be the ideal platform for Japan to showcase its products to the rest of the world.

New brands added

Visitors will see the launch of two new brands this year. The World of Coffee & Tea, a professional trade fair is expected to grow into Asia’s leading sourcing, trading and knowledge platform for the industry. Participants will come from China, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, South Korea and Malaysia.

The World of FoodService is another international trade exhibition for the region’s food service, catering and hospitality industry. Exhibitors of equipment, from refrigeration to point of sales, as well as hotel and catering services, will join this fair. Highlights will include the collections of tableware, textiles and uniforms from Thai companies. From the region of Toki in Japan, manufacturers will showcase top-quality porcelain. Visitors will have a chance to experience Japanese aesthetics translated onto the dining table. One of Toki’s famous companies, Saiki Ichiyama Touen Co., Ltd, will present a range of tableware designed for the food and beverage industry. The German maker of industrial flooring, Silikal GmbH will exhibit its reactive resin flooring, known for their high scuff-resistance, anti-skid grades and attractive colours.

Launched in 2013, World of Seafood played host to 170 seafood exhibitors from around the region. This year, the Thai Union Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (THE), P.F.P. Trading Co., Ltd and Prantalay Marketing Co., Ltd, are also on the list.

Michael Dreyer, vice president, Asia Pacific, Koelnmesse says, “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 specialised platforms to meet, network and educate one another.”

Conferences on AEC, safety

For the first time organisers set up the ASEAN Food Industry Thought Leaders Panel, a knowledge sharing and networking venue for key executives in the food & beverage industry. The theme is “AEC 2015 – ASEAN Power of the Future: Advancing food security & expediting food trade and investment in the light of AEC 2015”.

A Better World: World of Food Safety Excellence Award and Conference aims to recognise 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 honour the change makers who have made a positive impact on business results.

The 2nd World of Food Safety conference in 2014 will review strategies to improve 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. 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) will be amongst 20 speakers on this topic. Likewise, technologies related to safety will be highlighted.