Thailand remains resilient despite turmoil

Show organizer Koelnmesse says the biggest ever Thaifex - World of Food Asia that was held from June 30 to July 4 this year drew to a close with 21,401 trade visitors from 101 countries and 992 exhibitors from 24 countries and regions. About 20% of the visitors came from countries such as Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore and the US.

According to Frost and Sullivan, global retail revenue of food and beverages reached $11.6 trillion in 2009 and is likely to reach $15 trillion in 2014. Echoing the upswing in global food and beverage demand, Director-General of the Department of Export Promotion (DEP) of Thailand Srirat Rastapana said, "Thailand is one of the top food exporters in the world. Our food exports in 2009 have increased by about 20% from the previous year and reached $8.7 billion in the first five months of 2010."

"Although the past few months have not been easy, by bringing back the international visitors, we have succeeded in maintaining the overall image and position of Thailand as a prime business destination," said Michael Dreyer, VP Asia Pacific of Koelnmesse.

Occupying three halls for the first time, the show received repeat country pavilion participation from the Netherlands, which exhibited for the sixth sixth consecutive year, as well as the Philippines, which gathered 22 food and beverage suppliers under its flag.

World of Halal, held parallel to Thaifex - World of Food Asia, was held for the first time for businesses in the burgeoning halal trade to connect and expand their networks. A total of 3,805 trade visitors attended the trade fair and the supporting World of Halal Conference. Many came from countries such as Brunei, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates. The sessions covered topics such as meeting halal market needs, halal certifi cation practices and methodologies on halal procedures.

The next edition of the two shows will be held from 25 to 29 May, 2011.