Thailand is currently moving into the 5th year of Thai National Strategy 20 Year (following the 12th National Economic and Social Development Plan). This strategy focuses on developing the country’s expertise in every area to overcome challenges of a country with moderate income and to push the country forward to become a key player in the global market. Our vision is “Security, Prosperity, Sustainability” by promoting and developing S-Curve Industries as the country’s key economic driver. One of the prominent target industries is the food processing industry, or “Food for the Future,” coined by the National Strategy.
Thailand food processing industry has many advantages and these include abundant natural resources and an all-year harvest season. Thailand is one of the world’s leading importer of cassava, canned tuna, canned pineapple, rice, and sugar. Over 80% of ingredients used in the food processing industry are locally produced, thereby reducing production cost and allowing the food manufacturers and food processors in Thailand to grow and compete in the global market.
Data from the Ministry of Industry showed that in 2020, food processing and beverage industries in Thailand have 53,642 factories, with 43,725 agricultural products processing factories, 9,102 food processing factories, and 815 beverage manufacturing factories. The combined production values exceed US$ 393 million. Thailand food processing industry offers products ranging from health food and beverage, medical good, food supplements, food innovations to products with high added-value such as instant food, ready-to-eat food, delivery food, bakery, snacks, seasonings, and Halal food.
Also, numerous researches from development centers for the food processing industry were established to support manufacturing and processing innovations, such as Food Innopolis at Thailand Science Park. This research center covers research on full-cycle food innovation. This hub provides a one-stop service to increase the competitive potential of entrepreneurs in the food processing industry and related industries. The investing entrepreneurs would benefit from tax exemption, work permits, visas, and other supports to give local and foreign investors and entrepreneurs the best facilitation.
One of the policies from Thailand’s Food Processing Industry Development Action Plan Phase 1 (2019 – 2027) is to create business opportunity on both national and international platform that is suitable for all level of manufacturers. This aims to bring forth Thai food processing industry to the global market by connecting with the global market and create a strong economic foundation with culture and creativity, and also by integrating food products with tourisms such as organising world-class food expo, i.e., THAIFEX, developing Big Data for SMEs database, and opening easily accessible SMEs One Portal or Knowledge & Service center for SMEs.
THAIFEX, or International Food Exhibition in Thailand, is Asia’s largest food expo with over 107,000 sq.metres of expo area and attendees from over 40 countries. In 2020, THAIFEX collaborated with Anuga, a world-class food expo from Germany to organise “THAIFEX-ANUGA Asia – The Hybrid Edition” at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani on 26 September 2020. The expo attracted an impressive turnout of 797 exhibitors and 21,104 trade visitors, serving as a true testament to the trade show’s value to the F&B industry. Participants include strong supporters from the local community and representatives from regional offices of international businesses from countries like Brazil, Indonesia, Italy, Korea, Norway, Poland and the US.This year, for those interested in food processing or looking for business opportunities in the industry, do not miss to visit THAIFEX Virtual Trade Show (VTS), the 365-day initiative, and THAIFEX-ANUGA ASIA 2021 — Hybrid+, the physical event by the Department of International Trade Promotion, Thailand.
VTS welcomed 1,080 online registrants from 77 countries in their first edition in 2020, of which 752 buyers were successfully matched with their target exhibitors. This year will be open for 11 sector-specific trade shows, 3 special shows, and 11 trend topics under the roof. Other digital initiatives include business matching, onsite hosted buyer program that ensures exhibitors achieve maximum exposure and buyers continue to enjoy extensive sourcing opportunities. The virtual meet for participants will also facilitate interactions with a carefully curated group of more than 500 international buyers due to the COVID-19 situation. VTS continues to engage local and international participants from May through September 2021, when the physical event takes place with additional elements such as live streaming.
This national support will make Thailand become “The World’s Kitchen,” being a full-cycle food producer focusing on production technology, creating food safety standards, and developing a quality control system in every production. The strategy will boost confidence in Thailand’s food industry, ready to welcome investors and entrepreneurs from all over the world, making Thailand the true world’s kitchen and a leading food manufacturer for the world’s market.
Note the following dates on your calendar:
THAIFEX Virtual Trade Show (VTS) is on 25 – 29 May 2021.
THAIFEX-ANUGA ASIA 2021 — Hybrid+ is on 29 September – 3 October 2021.
For more information, click HERE
