Thailand is solidifying its position as a global leader in food production and cuisine. This ambition was prominently displayed at THAIFEX-ANUGA ASIA 2024, Asia’s premier food and beverage trade show, held at the IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Center until June 1.
Organized by the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), the event has attracted over 80,000 visitors from 130 countries. THAIFEX-ANUGA ASIA serves as a comprehensive platform for the food and beverage industry, featuring everything from instant meals to ready-to-eat options, frozen food, ingredients, beverages, and machinery.
Future Food Potential on Display
The private sector is showcasing its latest technology and products, while the DITP’s exhibition emphasizes Thailand’s ability to produce high-quality, export-standard future food. The “Food Arcade” concept features engaging activities for visitors to explore Thai future food in four main categories:
- Functional Food and Ingredients: Products that enhance nutrient intake, reduce harmful substances, and promote overall well-being, such as nutritional supplements and probiotics.
- Medical and Personalized Food: Medically-supervised products that complement medication, providing specific nutrients tailored to individual needs.
- Organic and Whole Foods: Emphasizing natural production methods free from chemicals.
- Alternative Protein: Plant-based proteins, insect proteins, cultured fungi, algae proteins, and lab-grown meat offering higher protein content than conventional options.
Over 40 future food products from Thai entrepreneurs are on display, categorized and packaged sustainably. Visitors can engage in interactive activities, enjoy commemorative gifts like gelato ice cream, and sample products directly from exhibitors. Hall 5 houses all future food exhibits, including insect and plant-based proteins.
A Global Food Powerhouse
The 32nd edition of THAIFEX-ANUGA ASIA features 6,000 booths from exhibitors in over 30 countries, fostering direct interaction between businesses, traders, and importers. The DITP also plans to leverage Thai SELECT-certified restaurants overseas as showrooms to promote Thai products, enhancing Thailand’s global soft power and brand image.
The opening ceremony on May 28, presided over by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Phumtham Wechayachai, highlighted the event’s revenue generation potential, estimated at 100 billion baht, with 60 billion accruing to Thai businesses.
The food industry is a pillar of the Thai economy. In 2023, food exports grew by 2.7% compared to the previous year, reaching over $39 billion (approximately 1.37 trillion baht), driven by rising demand in China and ASEAN. Thailand ranks as the world’s 12th largest food exporter, an improvement from its 15th position in 2022. Food exports in 2024 are projected to grow by 2% year-on-year, reaching an estimated $40 billion (over THB 1.4 trillion).
Thai Herbs: A Focus on Wellness
The Department of Business Development is also promoting Thai herbs under the concept “Think Wellness, Think Thai Herbs” at the fair. Deputy Commerce Minister Napintorn Srisunpang highlighted the participation of 20 Thai herb producers in the “SMART Local Herb” zone, aimed at raising brand awareness and encouraging the use of Thai herbs for improved health.
Thai herbs are renowned for their unique characteristics and heritage, rooted in traditional Thai medicinal wisdom. They are high-quality raw materials with established production standards and, combined with innovative product development, cater perfectly to modern consumer needs. Thai herbs also hold immense potential as future food products, with major markets including Myanmar, China, the United States, and Japan.
