THAIFEX-World of Food Asia Announces Highlights of May 2016 Show

Key points from Organizers Koelnmesse Pte Ltd, The Department of International Trade Promotion and The Thai Chamber of Commerce

THAIFEX- World of Food Asia (WOFA), Asia's most influential international food and hospitality show and the biggest food and beverage trade event, has announced details of its show happening May 25 – 29 2016 at the prestigious IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Centre.

The show which has grown from strength to strength over the past 12 years, has become an important platform for regional and international food importers and exporters to connect with trade visitors from Asia and worldwide. The show also acts as a platform to introduce the latest food innovations, technologies and trends.

The February press announcement held in Bangkok, hosted by representatives of the show organizer Koelnmesse and its partners, the Department of International Trade Promotion and The Thai Chamber of Commerce, confirmed the 2016 show will occupy a record-breaking 80,000 sqm of Bangkok's IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Centre, up from 70,000 sqm from last year's event. Additionally, more than 1,800 companies from 30 countries will take part.

Organizers are also expecting an 8% increase in trade visitors this year; aiming to grow the total to 38,000 this year.

International exhibitors is also set to increase by 13% to 900 foreign companies – from China, South Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Turkey and European countries such as Italy and Germany. New exhibitor countries include Brunei, Cambodia, Chile, India, Indonesia, Norway and Ukraine.

This strong international interest is reflected in the additional 10,000 sqm of showroom space added to this year's event, which will attract a greater number of international exhibitors and trade buyers including importers, wholesalers as well as retailers and distributors.

Highlights of THAIFEX – World of Food Asia 2016

• 5th edition of Thailand Ultimate Chef Challenge (TUCC) contested by over 1,000 chefs from 10 countries. Asia's most recognised chef competition will introduce a new category 'Bakery & Pastry'.
• The 2nd edition of Celebrity Coffee Bar (CCB) will feature Japan's Hidenori Izaki who won the 2014 World Barista Championship with 10 other award-winning baristas showcasing their skills.
• Debut of 'pop-up' coffee shop Artisan Cafe by iconic Italian espresso maker La Marzocco.
• World of Food Safety Conference presenting latest key studies on food-related issues.
• THAIFEX Trend Topics include Innova Market Insights presenting top 10 new consumer trends, ASIAN Food Franchising Forum and Organic Supermarket. Focus on 11 issues also examines trends in Halal, Kosher & Vegan food.

Thailand's New Era of Food Innovation & Sustainability

Speech Highlight by Mr H.E. Winichai Chaemchaeng, Vice Minster of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce, Thailand

• Government priority is improving production and price structure of agricultural products, creating business-friendly market with favourable investment climate.
• Ministry of Commerce working closely with private sector to reform and improve.
• Exploring new markets, reducing and eliminating trade obstacles, preparing entry into AEC, developing cross-border trade with establishment of Special Economic Zones, remove regulatory obstacles and simplify procedures for business operation, trade and investment.
• Driving Thailand's ambition to be "Kitchen of the World"; realizes food products must be hygienic, safe and high quality with manufacturing fully traceable.
• Strongly encourages creating high-value-added agricultural products through new innovations with better quality and higher standards.
• Thai food industry gaining global recognition for innovation and production standards.
• Aiming for sustainable management and conservation of fishery resources to international level.

Thai Food Industry: Fast Facts

Thai food industry generated US$24,400 million (US$24.4 billion) last year and is among the world's top exporters of rice, processed chicken, canned and processed seafood, frozen and processed prawns, and condiments.

Industry strengths: Variety of ingredients, uniqueness, flavours appealing to foreign markets, cutting edge technologies for production of hygienic food meeting strict quality standards, competiveness.

The Thai Chamber of Commerce Expects A Major Boom in Trade Activity

Speech Highlights from Mr Kalin Sarasin, Vice Chairman,

The Thai Chamber of Commerce

• Expected value of trades to reach 9,000 Million Baht
• Impressive growth in Thai exporter exhibitors:
• 496 exhibitors in 2004 (1st THAIFEX-World of Food Asia)
• 900 local exhibitors slated to take part in the 2016 edition
• 4% growth from 2015 – 36 new local companies exhibiting in 2016
• Strong local participation in Fruits & Vegetables, Sweets & Confectionery, Fine Food, Alcohol-free drinks & Ready-To-Eat
• Expecting 38,000 traders this year over the three trade days (8% growth from 2015) and 112,000 public visitors during the two public days (14% growth from 2015)

New industry initiatives by The Thai Chamber of Commerce

• "ThaiGAP" adding value to Thai Agricultural Products, assuring Vegetable & Fruits Standard and Safety, traceability by QR Code to farm location and farmers.
• "Thailand SMEs Center" providing consultant services for Start-Up Entrepreneurs, SME Development Programs, Marketing & Value Creation Plan, ASEAN Expansion Supporting, SMEs Meet & Networking, and Expert Mentoring & Incubation.
• Exploring more market opportunities at up-country and overseas exhibitions.

THAIFEX is Thailand's 'Shop Window' to Global Food Exports

Speech highlights from Mr Supapat Ongsangkoon, Deputy Director-General,

The Department of The International Trade Promotion

• Thailand: Kitchen of the World features a wide range of delectable Thai food products
• Thai Select Pavilions help promote Thai delicatessen products and Thai restaurants to foreign countries, as well as cooking demonstrations by world renowned Thai chefs.
• 60+ Pavilions exhibiting food products for senior consumers, anti-aging products, and functional food.
• 'Thai Supplement Village' promoting Thai herbal supplements such as ready-made beverages and food supplement pills backed by research, including pueraria mirifica, Black Galingale and turmeric.
• I+D Style Cafe and Thailand Trust Mark + PM Award Exhibition; an exhibition of food products and innovations, environmental conservation initiatives, and Thai exporters receiving the TTM logo, and PM Award.
• Halal Exhibition Thailand: Producer of the World's Best Quality Halal Food promoting Halal food products with export potential, adhering to religious principles and standard of Thailand's Central Islamic Council.

Germany Honoured as Partner Country

Speech Highlights by Mr Axel Wildner, Counsellor for Food and Agriculture, Embassy of The Federal Republic of Germany in Bangkok

• Germany is 3rd biggest food & drink exporter in the world, with exports worth more than 65 billion EUROS. Main exports are meat & meat products, milk & dairy, sweets & bakery, beer and other specialties.
• Industry supports 6.000 companies, employs 550.000 with annual turnover of 175 billion EUROS. Most are SMEs, many family-owned, often older than 100 or 200 years
• 4th Official partner country of THAIFEX- World of Food Asia 2016
• Germany's National Pavilion is three times bigger than last year, occupying 360 sqm.
• German Ministry of Food & Agriculture showcasing new and innovative products displaying the well-known trademark 'Made in Germany'
• Germany is renowned for product innovation, high quality standard, reliability, experience combining Tradition and Technology.

THAIFEX – World of Food Asia (www.worldoffoodasia.com) is organised by Koelnmesse Pte Ltd in partnership with Thailand's Department of International Trade Promotion and The Thai Chamber of Commerce.

For more information on THAIFEX-World of Food Asia, please visit www.worldoffoodasia.com

• ข่าว Koelnmesse