Thailand reinforces vital role in global food ingredient market

Informa Markets Thailand brought together more than 1,000 entrepreneurs in the food ingredient and dietary supplement industries from over 40 countries for the “Fi Asia 2023” and “Vitafoods Asia 2023” events held at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center from September 20 to 22.

The back-to-back trade show is a crucial event for the food industry, offering networking, market insights, product showcases, education, and international reach. It fosters collaboration, business development, and regulatory compliance, making it a valuable platform for professionals, suppliers, and stakeholders in the food ingredient sector.

During the opening ceremony of Food ingredient (Fi) Asia and Vitafoods Asia 2023 in Thailand on September 19, DTI Undersecretary for Regional Operations Group Blesila Lantayona confirmed that the Philippines had intended to send 16 delegates but only six were able to attend. She also highlighted Thailand’s significant advancements in science, technology, and innovation in her remarks.

In an interview with Manila Standard Life, Lantayona underscored Thailand’s prominence in the fields of food science, technology, and innovation. The official said that the Philippines was exploring Thailand’s advanced technology in food development and how it could benefit the Philippines’ food industry.

“Thailand possesses technology and equipment for converting raw materials, especially in the food industry, into value-added materials or finished products,” Lantayona stated.

Lantayona mentioned that they had started discussions with Thailand about various aspects, including their approach to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). While 16 MSMEs from the Philippines were invited to participate in the event, only six were able to attend. The Philippines was exploring opportunities to benefit its food industry, either by becoming a supplier of certain raw materials or by expanding its network of suppliers and industry connections through collaboration with Thailand.

“They are quite advanced. And in fact, we are learning from them. We [began] talking already with them as well as their definition of micros [and] how they plan for the MSMEs (micro, small and