BANGKOK, THAILAND, June 29 – THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2023, the largest food and beverage trade show in Southeast Asia, concluded with resounding success, breaking records and reaffirming its status as a leading international event. With over 78,000 trade visitors and more than 3,000 exhibitors, the show solidified its position as a powerhouse in the industry. Plans for the 2024 editions of THAIFEX – Anuga Asia and THAIFEX – HOREC Asia were also announced.
The event, held from May 23 to May 27 at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani in Bangkok, showcased a staggering 3,034 exhibitors from 45 countries, occupying an expansive 130,000 square meters of exhibition space. This remarkable growth compared to the pre-pandemic show in 2019, which featured 2,745 exhibitors, further highlighted the industry’s resilience and recovery. Countries such as China, Brazil, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Norway, Poland, South Korea, Turkey, the United States, and Vietnam, among others, displayed their strong presence at the event.
Additionally, new country groups including Australia, France, Hungary, Sri Lanka, and the United Kingdom made their mark, showcasing their culinary offerings and fostering international connections. Notably, THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2023 witnessed a substantial increase in attendance, attracting over 78,764 visitors from 133 countries, marking a 17% growth compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019. The event’s buyer program facilitated productive business meetings between international buyers and exhibitors, fostering valuable connections and partnerships.
The Future Food Experience+ segment of the event showcased next-generation food and beverage innovation. With 33 speakers from around the world, the sessions provided valuable insights into industry trends and breakthroughs that will shape the future of the F&B landscape. The sessions attracted 1,794 attendees, with the most popular topics including the future of functional food, food trends for 2023-2025, and the reimagination of future protein. The Exploring World Coffee segment delighted attendees as the Thai Coffee Association (TCA) welcomed esteemed Ambassadors from Brazil, Guatemala, and Kenya.
They presented their nations’ coffee markets, farming techniques, and distinctive varieties, offering attendees a sensory experience with over 40 coffee-cupping samples from diverse origins. The success of THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2023 was acknowledged by Khun Phusit Ratanakul Sereroengrit, Director-General of the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), Thailand, who highlighted the event’s role in driving innovation and positioning Thailand as a prominent player in the global F&B landscape.
Khun Sanan Angubolkul, Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC), praised the event’s achievements, emphasizing its value in promoting Thai SMEs, launching new products, and boosting tourism revenue. Mathias Kuepper, Managing Director and VP Asia-Pacific of Koelnmesse, expressed immense pride in the record-breaking success of THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2023, solidifying its position as the industry leader and providing a platform for global stakeholders.
Looking ahead, THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2024 will celebrate its 20th edition from May 28 to June 1, 2024, at IMPACT, Muang Thong Thani, Bangkok. Additionally, THAIFEX – HOREC Asia will debut from March 6 to 8, 2024, further contributing to industry leadership, innovation, and invaluable connections. The event also featured testimonials from exhibitors, including Dr. Sándor Sipos, the Ambassador of Hungary, and Mr. Thierry Mathou, the French Ambassador to Thailand, who expressed their delight in participating in THAIFEX – Anuga Asia and the opportunities it provided for promoting their respective countries’ culinary heritage and expanding market reach.
New exhibitor Yichang Yilinghong Ecological Agricultural Development from China reported a remarkable debut, securing a significant deal and gaining valuable insights into the Thai market. In parallel, the 9th edition of the Thailand Ultimate Chef Challenge (TUCC) captivated food enthusiasts and industry professionals. With winners recognized in various categories, the event showcased talent, creativity, and gastronomic excellence. THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2023 left a lasting impact on the F&B industry, setting new benchmarks and paving the way for future growth and collaboration in the vibrant marketplace.
