THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2023 achieves resounding success with impressive growth

Southeast Asia’s largest food and beverage trade show, THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2023, concluded with outstanding results, surpassing expectations in terms of exhibitors, attendees, and international participation. The event took place between 23rd and 27th May, featuring 3,034 exhibitors from 45 countries and covering a vast 130,000 square metres of exhibition space. This represents significant growth compared to the previous pre-pandemic event in 2019, with 2,745 exhibitors.

Strong international presence and attendance

Countries with notable representation at the trade fair were China, Brazil, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Norway, Poland, South Korea, Turkey, the United States, and Vietnam. Enhancing the event’s global diversity, new country groups participated for the first time, including Australian exhibitors organised by the Department of Primary Industries & Regional Development (DPIRD), France, Hungary, organised by the Hungarian Export Promotion Agency (HEPA), Sri Lanka, organised by Sri Lanka Export Development Board, and the United Kingdom, organised by the UK Department of Business and Trade.

This year’s edition also reported a significant increase in attendance, attracting over 78,764 visitors from 133 countries, a 17% increase compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019. Highlighting the importance of face-to-face business networking, THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2023 introduced an anticipated buyer programme, facilitating interactions between over 1,900 top-quality international buyers and exhibitors, and fostering valuable connections and partnerships.

Showcasing the future of food and beverage

The Future Food Experience+ segment at THAIFEX – Anuga Asia offered insights into next-generation food and beverage innovations. This engaging programme featured 33 international speakers and provided valuable insights into industry trends and upcoming breakthroughs. Over 1,794 attendees registered for 23 sessions, with the most subscribed sessions being: 1. Future of Functional Food, 2. Future Food Trend 2023-2025, and 3. Re-Imaging Future Protein. The event served as a dynamic platform for industry leaders to connect, exchange ideas, and explore the vast potential of the evolving food and beverage landscape.

The Thai Coffee Association (TCA) hosted a coffee spectacular, welcoming esteemed Ambassadors from Brazil, Guatemala, and Kenya, who showcased their nations’ coffee markets, farming techniques, and unique varieties. Over 400 attendees enjoyed a sensory experience, sampling more than 40 coffee-cupping samples from various origins.

Organisers and participants express satisfaction

Phusit Ratanakul Sereroengrit, Director-General of the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), Thailand, highlighted the valuable partnerships with the Thailand Chamber of Commerce (TCC) and Koelnmesse in organising THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2023. These collaborations have built a platform to foster industry evolution and attract local and international exhibitors, enhancing Thailand’s position as a prominent player in the global F&B landscape.

Sanan Angubolkul, Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC), praised the event’s success, surpassing visitor numbers and turnover targets. He noted how the trade show provided a valuable platform for Thai SMEs, entrepreneurs, and startups to showcase their products and services to the international market, resulting in immediate orders and promising leads. Foreign buyers were particularly impressed by local exhibitors’ focus on modern food trends, such as organic, plant-based, and sustainable products.

Mathias Kuepper, Managing Director and VP Asia-Pacific of Koelnmesse, expressed immense pride in the unprecedented success achieved at THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2023. The record-setting event marked an 89% increase in exhibitors and a 50% surge in trade visitors compared to 2022. Kuepper noted the industry’s growing demand for concentrated platforms that facilitate business negotiations and help achieve yearly targets within a few short days.

New and returning exhibitors celebrate unmatched opportunities

First-time participants, including Dr. Sándor Sipos, Ambassador of Hungary, and Mr. Thierry Mathou, French Ambassador to Thailand, expressed their satisfaction and delight at the positive response from visitors and industry players.

New exhibitor Yichang Yilinghong Ecological Agricultural Development from China reported their remarkable debut at THAIFEX – Anuga Asia, securing a significant 600 million yuan deal. The company plans to return to the event next year, aiming to expand their presence and pursue a remarkable 1 trillion-yuan deal.

The Thailand Ultimate Chef Challenge (TUCC) 2023

The 9th edition of the Thailand Ultimate Chef Challenge (TUCC) captivated food enthusiasts and industry professionals as it returned from 23 to 27 May in Bangkok. Recognised as one of Asia’s most esteemed culinary contests, TUCC showcased talent, creativity, and gastronomic delights. With 700 entries across 21 categories, the competition celebrated culinary excellence on a global scale. The event also introduced a new plant-based theme, reflecting the growing popularity of sustainable and plant-centric cuisine in the industry.

• Best Ultimate Establishment
  • Chiangmai Chefs Association
• Best Ultimate Asian Gourmet Challenge
  • Fan Ying-Chih, Nkuht FBM Young Chef
  • Hsu Kuo Fu, Nkuht FBM Young Chef
  • Tsai Shih Hsuan, Nkuht FBM Young Chef
• Best Ultimate Asian Chef
  • Khairul Ashikhin Bt Adbullah Suhami, Kolej Komuniti Chenderoh
• Best Ultimate Professional Chef
  • Jaturong Mayurowas, Chiangmai Chefs Association
• Best Ultimate Junior Chef Award
  • Seo Hyun Joon, World Culinary Arts and Bakery (WCB)

Future events

• THAIFEX – Anuga Asia will return for its 20th edition from 28 May to 1 June 2024 at IMPACT, Muang Thong Thani, Bangkok.
• THAIFEX – HOREC Asia will make its debut at the same venue from 6 to 8 March 2024.