The region’s largest food & beverage trade fair, THAIFEX - Anuga Asia, is coming to Bangkok at the end of the month, and judging by the pre-event information, it’s set to be the biggest and most exciting one yet. With 1200 exhibitors, 2500 high-profile buyers, 11 food segments, and approximately 40,000 visitors already registered, the event is looking to be the most comprehensive networking and trading ground for both local and international members of the F&B sector.

The 11 specialized segments that will be on display across the four-day event are: Drinks, Coffee & Tea, Meat, Rice, Fruits & Vegetables, Seafood, Fine Food, Food Service, Frozen Food, Food Technology, and Sweets & Confectionery (which is arguably the most exciting one, if you ask us).

In addition to the segments, there will also be special shows highlighting entrepreneurs and innovative products that are responding directly to buyers’ needs in the context of the last few years. In fact, with industries worldwide — including F&B merchants — looking at how to move forward in a post-pandemic era, it’s no surprise that several of the segments and exhibits at this year’s fair are related to promoting innovation and seizing upon emerging trends.

Photo: THAIFEX - Anuga Asia

To emphasize the importance of innovation within the industry, this year, the organizers are also introducing a newly-created segment called THAIFEX - Anuga Future Food Market. Featuring products and services that could potentially revolutionize and positively impact the future of the F&B industry, the Future Food Market will be especially appealing to buyers who are looking to branch out into less traditional sub-markets that are already seeing a steady increase in consumer attention.

The Future Food Market is one of six “Special Shows” that will be held across the four days. The other shows on the current itinerary are the Halal Market, Organic Market, Trend Zone, Taste Innovation Show, and a Startup show.

Similar to the Future Food Market, the Trend Zone is also particularly interesting as it will be organized in tandem with what food specialists Innova Market Insights believe are the next big industry trends. Judging by the pre-show information, several of the exhibits will focus on planted-based proteins and foods and alternative meat options as a response to the global and regional increase in consumer demand for plant-based and vegan foods in recent years. Innova’s highlighting of trends such as sustainable packaging, “clean” labels, and organic free-from products also indicate a continuous hike in consumer demand for ethically sourced and packaged products. Other food trends that will be focused on are halal foods, superfoods, and ready-to-eat foods. From a more business perspective, private labels and franchises have also been identified as areas that have seen (and will continue to see) significant growth.

Photo: THAIFEX - Anuga Asia

And of course, regulars of the THAIFEX-Anuga Asia fair will be familiar with the Hosted Buyer Programme and the Priority Buyer Club, both of which the organizers have brought back due to popular demand. For those of you who might be unfamiliar with either of these programs, they’re exclusive opportunities for buyers to get priority access to exhibitors’ information and arrange prescheduled one-on-one meetings. 

After taking feedback from previous years into consideration, Wendy Lim, General Manager of Food Tradeshow, Koelnmesse Singapore, explained: “In the last Hosted Buyer Programme, our buyers seized up US$1.7 million worth of purchases from new suppliers alone. And they have also forecasted US$27 million in sales revenue for the next financial year. We are expecting no less this year! With 2500 top buyers from companies like BGF Retail and Circle K who have already registered, we anticipate some exciting news to unfold at this year’s event!”

Recognizing that travel might still be difficult for some international participants, this year’s fair will also incorporate several virtual elements so that interested individuals can still join remotely. In keeping with the theme of “Hybrid Edition,” an online networking platform will be available for attendees even before the event begins. Additionally, exhibitors will be given the option to host remote booths as well as arrange virtual meetings within the Hosted Buyer Programme. Several discussions and pitch sessions from the Future Food Experience stage will also be live-streamed on THAIFEX’s official Facebook page.

THAIFEX-Anuga Asia 2022 will take place from May 24-28 at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani. On May 24-27, opening hours are from 10am-6pm. On May 28, opening hours are from 10am-8pm. Registration is already open for both exhibitors and buyers.