Thaifex-World of Food Asia 2017 Records All-time High Attendance
July 11, 2017
The 14th edition of Thaifex-World of Food Asia was jointly organised by Koelnmesse Pte Ltd, the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), and the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC).
Over the span of five days, the event was attended by 43,129 Thai visitors and 11,982 international visitors, all comprising key decision makers and buyers in the food and beverage (F&B) trade.
They were not only treated to a wide array of food products and technologies, but also access to insights that could help extend their businesses throughout ASEAN and beyond.
Committed to providing a truly global experience for everyone, the trade show saw the number of international exhibitors grow by 14 per cent, with representatives from countries such as Scotland, the USA, Australia, Poland, Japan, Turkey, and Vietnam.
This is the first time the absolute number of international exhibitors matched that of Thai exhibitors, indicative of a powerful show for the region and beyond.
Mathias Kuepper, Managing Director, Koelnmesse, organiser for Thaifex-World of Food Asia 2017, said, “The record-breaking number of visitors is testament to the fact that the F&B industry continues to see the trade show as the place to be. This year’s show proved to be more than just a platform for networking between buyers and exhibitors, but also an avenue for everyone to collaborate, share thoughts, and exchange knowledge about issues facing the industry.”
For the first time this year, an exclusive group of Asian top buyers were also hosted on-site for one-on-one business matching and networking.
Said Simon Chuen, Director and General Manager of Dah Chong Hong Holdings, “We’re thrilled to be part of the exclusive group of hosted buyers. Many valuable connections were established and we are confident that they will help us in generating successful business deals post-show. The varied profile of exhibitors that we met certainly expanded our horizons as we were not aware of some of the products prior to attending Thaifex-World of Food Asia. It was indeed an enriching and engaging show for us.”
The third annual Celebrity Coffee Bar, jointly organised by Koelnmesse, ASEAN Coffee Federation and Singapore Coffee Association, welcomed 15 champion baristas from around the world, where they showcased their skills in latte art and coffee brewing.
On top of that, espresso and brew tasting sessions were held and masterclasses conducted onsite for budding coffee connoisseurs, offering tips on how to create the perfect brew.
“I was delighted to share my love of coffee at the Celebrity Coffee Bar. It gave me the perfect platform to invite people to explore Starbucks Reserve, our line of rare, small lot coffees from around the world and try different brewing techniques. Having skilled baristas at the bar helped to raise awareness of the true craft and professionalism that goes into serving coffee,” said Ryan Wibawa, Starbucks barista and 2015 Champion of the Indonesian Brewers Cup.
The next edition of Thaifex–World of Food Asia 2018 will be held from 29 May – 2 June, 2018.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
Add new comment