The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), Ministry of Commerce, the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC), and Koelnmesse (KM) unveiled the inaugural edition of THAIFEX – HOREC ASIA 2024, a trade fair of HoReCa industry products and services (hotel, restaurant, and catering businesses), to be held for the first time from 6 to 8 March, 20204, at Hall 9-12, IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, Bangkok. This trade fair is expected to attract 20,000 buyers worldwide and aims to establish Thailand as the hub of HoReCa industry in Asia. 

Natiya Suchinda, Deputy Director-General of the Department of International Trade Promotion, stated, “After the COVID-19 situation has eased, trade and tourism activities have returned to normal, and we see the revival of businesses related to the HoReCa industry, including hotels, restaurants, and catering. The demands in this industry are significantly increasing, and from this positive trend, it is a great opportunity for Thailand, which has high potential and strengths.

Being a top global tourist destination, the country is renowned for hospitality and Thai-style service. Thailand distinguishes itself in several areas, including the high-quality offerings from product and service providers, along with the presence of innovative designers who enhance the uniqueness of HoReCa products and services. These factors enable the Thai HoReCa industry to effectively cater to the diverse demands of the market. Based on the past success of collaboration of the three organising parties in organising THAIFEX – ANUGA ASIA, we are confident that THAIFEX – HOREC ASIA will unlock the future of the HoReCa industry and establish Thailand as the centre of HoReCa businesses of Asia.

The fair will feature products and services from more than 300 companies from 24 countries, including Thailand, in 722 booths. Occupying a space of 27,000 square meters, the fair will cover 9 HoReCa segments, namely Bakery & Ice Cream, Cafe & Bar,  Bakery and Ice Cream, Café and Bar, Cleaning and Laundry, Dining, Furnishing, Kitchen, Services, Tech and Wellness. It is expected to attract 20,000 buyers and visitors worldwide.”

Sanan Angubolkul, Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, expressed full readiness for organising THAIFEX – HOREC ASIA 2024, “We believe this event will create new business opportunities for entrepreneurs in the HoReCa industry. So far, the feedback is overwhelmingly positive, with more than 120 Thai companies participating in 270 booths. They are ready to showcase their innovations, creative designs and products developed from local wisdom to create soft power and international marketing opportunities.

We also invite the professionals, including hotel owners, hotel managers, resort owners, restaurant owners, or café owners, regardless of whether they are large or small businesses, as well as chefs and caterers, as well as business people in TCC’s networks, including businessmen from provincial chambers of commerce, foreign chambers of commerce in Thailand, foreign chambers of commerce and trade associations to visit the event in order to facilitate business negotiations, trade, create value, and contribute to the overall economic development of the country in the long run.

Phusit Sasitaranondha, Executive Advisor of Koelnmesse Thailand, stated, “Following the continuous success of THAIFEX – ANUGA ASIA, this collaboration aims to expand the strategic product exhibition business to meet the emerging needs, covering the areas of hotels, restaurants, and catering. So far, we have 212 international companies from 23 countries across the globe, from Europe, America and from Asia as well, in 452 booths. The selected products and services will focus on innovations that will cater to the needs of modern HoReCa businesses, such as a product that uses AI to improve cooking performance.

The showcases will also present 6 HoReCa trends, namely Sustainability, Contactless, Digital Guest Experience, Plant Based Menu, Food Waste Management, and Energy Efficiency Solutions. We also invite more than 500 buyers from top companies to meet our exhibitors directly in the fair.”

In addition, the organising committee revealed interesting highlights within the event, such as ASEAN Barista Team Championship, Thailand Ultimate Housekeeping Challenge, innovative products showcase at the THAIFEX – HOREC Xperiential Zone, which presents products that narrate the future trends in HoReCa, as well as THAIFEX – HOREC Academy seminars bringing together industry experts to provide knowledge through workshops, cooking demonstrations, and various informative and enjoyable activities throughout the three-day event.

THAIFEX – HOREC Asia 2024 will be held from 6 to 8 March, 2024, from 10.00 to 18.00 hrs. at IMPACT Exhibition Center, Hall 9-12, IMPACT Muang Thong Thani. For more information and registration, visit www.thaifex-horec.asia.