News From : DagangHalal.com (23 May 2014)
Asia’s most influential food and hospitality trade show was inaugurated by Ms Srirat Rastapana, Permanent Secretary for Commerce. Attended in full force by honored governmental officials and ambassadors, the event was also graced by Mr. Setsuo Iuchi, President of JETRO Bangkok Office (Chief Representative for ASEAN and South Asia, JETRO), who represented Japan, the partner country for Thaifex – World of Food Asia 2014.
Bigger, Better, More International
With a total showing of 771 international exhibitors from 34 countries, which accounts for 53% share of the total show, THAIFEX – World of Food Asia is the definitive must-attend event for international exporters looking to expand their businesses into Asia. The sprawling 60,000 square metres of space spread across 3 halls has seen more than 5% increase in take-up of booth space this year.
The 2014 edition also delivers solid international growth, with 27% increase in international exhibition space. There has also been an impressive rise of more than 20% in international exhibitors, with solid support from countries such as Brazil, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Turkey and Vietnam. This year, trade visitors will also be meeting new country groups from Scotland, Turkey and Korea.
Japan, the Partner Country
The appointment of Japan as partner country, which brings 82 exhibitors for the showcase, marks another milestone for THAIFEX – World of Food Asia. 55 exhibitors from 21 regions will be organised together in a Japan Pavilion, led by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO).
This partnership has seen a 85% increase in space booking, from just 423 sqm last year to 783 sqm this year. Participation from other groups such as Kyushu Trade Promotion Organisation, Kagoshima Meat Export Federation, Minamiawaji-City Society of Commerce & Industry and many other independent Japanese companies, has also built a stronger offering for visitors.
Says Setsuo Iuchi, President of JETRO Bangkok Office, Japan is a land of natural abundance with so much diversity to offer, be it in agriculture or technology. As one of Asia’s most important trade exhibitions for the food & beverage industry, THAIFEX – World of Food Asia gives us the perfect platform to share with Asia what Japan has to offer.
Galore of Sub-Shows, Competitions & Conferences
THAIFEX – World of Food Asia 2014 is strengthened by the growth and introduction of its new sub-shows – World of Seafood, World of Coffee & Tea and the World of FoodService.
With more than 120 companies occupying 3,000 sqm of exhibition space, the World of Seafood sees strong representation this year with 3 country & province groups China and Korea Fishery Trade Association and Korea Agro-Fisheries Trade Corporation (Jeonnam).
For the top Thai seafood exhibitors, the World of Seafood is the perfect hub to network with existing and potential customers from Asia. Mr. Poj Aramwattananont, president of Sea Value, one of Thailand’s biggest frozen seafood production companies, shares, “We are a seasoned partner of this trade show but the progress of the show is what kept us coming back year after year. World of Seafood has now become a full-fledged trade show and we are excited and confident about what this year will bring”.
For its inaugural edition, the World of Coffee & Tea boasts a strong showing of leading coffee and tea companies occupying 1,500 sqm of exhibition space. With a fair share of local and international participation, expect an array of companies such as Italasia (for premium coffee brand ‘Illy’Â), and Boncafe Thailand (for cutting-edge products such as the new Una Automatic, a coffee capsule system cremesso that delivers top quality coffee with the press of a single button). Visitors can expect strong local participants from Thailand and international exhibitors from China, Japan, Indonesia, India, Italy, Korea and Malaysia.
The World of Coffee & Tea will also spotlight current trends in the coffee industry, bringing to visitors the most up-to-date perspective locally and globally. Trainings, certification programs and education will play a pivotal role, with education programmes by the Specialty Coffee Association of Europe (SCAE), as well as Roasting and Green Bean modules. Visitors can also visit the Boncafe Academy, run by Professional trainers and coffee experts.