108 MALAYSIAN COMPANIES JOIN THAIFEX, EYE MARKET EXPANSION

By Linda Khoo Hui Li

BANGKOK, April 25 (Bernama) -- A total of 108 Malaysian companies are making their mark at THAIFEX– Anuga Asia 2023 - Asia's largest and most comprehensive food and beverage (F&B) trade show, eyeing to expand their market presence globally.

This year, the annual expo is finally returning to normalcy after being impacted by COVID-19 from 2019 to 2022. 

More than 3,000 exhibitors from 43 countries are showcasing their products and services across 5,500 booths at Impact Muang Thong Thani, Bangkok from May 23-27, stamping a significant milestone in the industry's recovery and a platform for businesses to reconnect and thrive once again. 

The trade show anticipates an attendance of over 60,000 trade visitors from 120 countries, fuelled by a strong global interest in Thai food and beverages.

Malaysia Business Group (MBG) president Michael Yap said THAIFEX–Anuga Asia is one of the leading trade platforms in uniting leading and emerging F&B industry players to explore new opportunities and penetrate a bigger market.

"The food and beverage trade show has attracted global buyers from around the world, allowing Malaysian companies to expand not only into the Thai markets but also into the global market, effectively achieving two goals with one strategic move.

“It also serves as an ideal platform for promoting and positioning Malaysian products not only in Thailand but also beyond its borders,” he told Bernama.

He added that MBG's consistent presence at THAIFEX-Anuga Asia has yielded positive results, as several companies have received orders.

With extensive range of export-ready F&B products offered by participating companies as well as the significant number of visitors at THAIFAX-Anuga Asia, MBG has projected to achieve sales exceeding RM25 million.

A total of 31 companies from MBG, an export conglomerate for Malaysian F&B manufacturers, are among the 108 Malaysian companies participating in the trade show. Malaysian companies are showcasing a wide array of local products, ranging from coffee, milk tea, juice, durian products, frozen food, confectionery, fish snacks, ready to cook food, sauces, and coconut-related products.

The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) Bangkok trade commissioner Mohamed Hafiz Md Shariff said the agency has played a pivotal role in facilitating numerous business meetings between Malaysian exporters and Thai buyers and distributors.

“The response from the buyers has been overwhelmingly positive, reflecting their keen interest and enthusiasm for engaging in further discussions.

“We are encouraged by the fruitful outcomes of these interactions and look forward to fostering stronger business ties between Malaysia and Thailand.

“Our commitment to promote Malaysia products and services in Thailand remains unwavering, and we are confident that these meetings will pave the way for future collaborations,” he said.

Some 1,200 Thai businesses are among the exhibitors participating in the trade show. The participating countries include from East Asia, Asean, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East, as well as the United States and Australia.

The primary goal of THAIFEX–Anuga Asia 2023 is to generate immediate orders, and it is estimated to facilitate business transactions worth over 70 billion baht (100 baht=13.29), with online purchases exceeding 1.5 billion baht.

The trade show will feature 11 zones, featuring a diverse range of F&B products, including coffee and tea, drinks, fine food, food service, food technology, frozen food, fruits and vegetables, meat, rice, seafood, and sweets and confectionery.

The annual trade show is hosted by the Department of International Trade Promotion, Ministry of Commerce of Thailand, in collaboration with the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Koelnmesse.

-- BERNAMA