Phumtham Wechayachai Opens THAIFEX-ANUGA ASIA 2024, A World-Class Food Expo Supporting SMEs and Innovative Products to Boost GDP, Expected to Generate 100 Billions.
The grand opening of THAIFEX-ANUGA ASIA 2024. Presided over by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, Phumtham Wechayachai, this premier food and beverage trade show is the most prestigious and comprehensive in Asia. This year’s event serves as a crucial platform for Thailand to forge global partnerships and elevate its food and beverage industry, thereby boosting the national GDP and establishing Thailand as a culinary hub for food innovation.
In his opening remarks, Phumtham highlighted Thailand’s strengths in agriculture, which form the foundation for food production and manufacturing sectors, He emphasized the nation’s unwavering commitment to innovation, adherence to safety standards, and responsiveness to the dynamic demands of the global market, aligning with the government’s policy of ‘Market-led, Innovation-driven and Income-boosting.’
The food industry stands as a cornerstone of the Thai economy. In 2023, food exports grew by 2.7% from the previous year, reaching a value of over USD 39 billion, approximately THB 1.37 trillion. This growth was driven by increasing demand in various regions, particularly China (+25.9%) and ASEAN (+21.5%). Thailand currently ranks as the world’s 12th largest food exporter, demonstrating significant improvement from its 15th position in 2022. In 2024, Thai food exports are expected to grow by about 2% from the previous year, reaching an estimated USD 40 billion, or over THB 1.4 trillion.
This year marks the 32nd edition of THAIFEX-ANUGA ASIA, a highly successful international trade fair renowned among exhibitors and visitors worldwide. This year, the event features over 3,000 participating companies from more than 50 countries, showcasing their products across 6,000 booths. With an anticipated audience of over 80,000 visitors from 130 countries, THAIFEX – ANUGA ASIA presents an exceptional opportunity for Thai businesses, especially SMEs and startups, as well as regional entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services, and connect with potential international buyers and importers.
Mr. Phumtham noted that the event is expected to generate around THB 100 billion in revenue, with Thai businesses accounting for about THB 60 billion of this total. This significant revenue within the 4-5 days event period underscores the Ministry of Commerce’s pride and ongoing commitment to such initiatives. The event serves as a platform for direct interaction between traders and importers. Additionally, The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) plans to use Thai SELECT-certified restaurants overseas as showrooms to promote Thai products, enhancing Thailand’s soft power and brand image globally.
According to the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), THAIFEX – ANUGA ASIA 2024 is organised by DITP in collaboration with The Thai Chamber of Commerce and Koelnmesse, under the theme “Beyond Food Experience.” It aims to offer more than just a food and beverage exhibition by meeting all market needs in one venue.
The event encompasses every conceivable aspect of the industry, spread across over 130,000 sqm of exhibition space at Challenger Halls 1-3 and IEC Halls 5-12, IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, featuring 11 diverse zones: seafood, frozen food, rice, fruits and vegetables, sweets and confectionery, drinks, coffee and tea, food technology, meat, food services, fine food, and three special zones for halal food, organic food, and future food. Attendees from around the world will have the unique opportunity to learn strategies for adding value to the food and beverage business. The event runs from 28th May to 1st June 2024.
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