The THAIFEX-HOREC Asia event, Asia's first-ever HoReCa trade show, was held at the IMPACT Muang Thong Thani in Bangkok, Thailand, from 6-8 March 2024. The event was a massive success, with over 300 companies from 24 different countries participating and occupying 722 booths. The event's main goal was to create broader connections and expand the HoReCa industry in Asia.
NOW End of Waste, one of the exhibitors in the Food Waste segment, said, "It was an excellent opportunity for us to participate. This trade show gave us a platform to showcase our solutions because not only do we have our NOW Digester and NOW Composter, but we also launched our new NOW RDF. This advanced solution turns organic waste (food and horticulture waste) into compost or organic and contaminated general waste into Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF), which can be used as an energy source for cement plants, paper mills & furnaces, etc. Our goal is to achieve a circular economy. Now RDF is the ultimate solution for hotels, commercial buildings, industrial buildings, shopping malls, food hubs, and landfills that face challenges with organic waste segregation."
Welbilt Asia - an Aligroup Company, a leading global provider of commercial food service equipment and solutions from the United States of America, is also one of the exhibitors in the Kitchen Segment. Vice President of Sales for Southeast Asia & Australasia at Welbilt Asia, William Fletcher, explained, "We would like to expand to Asia because of its diverse market with different cultures. The industry trends have changed and evolved over time, and we believe we can offer unique value propositions to this market. Combi and speed ovens are popular, and we aim to provide solutions for banquets and quick service situations while minimizing labour intensity and time without compromising on food quality. Attending shows like this helps us to establish our presence to visitors, and we have already met potential customers from Laos, Myanmar, and Indonesia."
The trade show was a culinary extravaganza featuring some of the world's most acclaimed chefs. One of the event's highlights was the Demo Stage, where the audience was treated to a visual feast of advanced cooking technology and techniques. Chef David Bonet, a renowned culinary expert from the Lenôtre School of Culinary Arts, and Chef Chronos Chan from Carpigiani were among the star-studded chefs who demonstrated their skills and expertise. They showcased a range of innovative cooking technologies designed to simplify and streamline the cooking process without compromising on taste. From sous-vide cooking to molecular gastronomy, the audience was taken on a gastronomic journey like no other.
In addition to the exhibitions, the event also featured several competitions that helped elevate the HoReCa industry in Asia. One of the most noteworthy competitions was the ASEAN Barista Team Championship, which drew significant attention from different countries. Teams from ASEAN countries, including Thailand, Brunei, Hong Kong, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan ROC, and Vietnam, participated in the competition. The competition aimed to showcase their speed, accuracy, and craftsmanship as a team and to compete for the title of the best barista team in the region. The competition brought together baristas from different countries who worked together to produce exceptional coffee. In the final round (Runner Up Set), Brunei's Bean Bandits competed against the Philippines' Team Clutch. The competition was intense, and the baristas demonstrated their skills, which impressed the judges and audience alike.
Another notable competition was the Thailand Ultimate Housekeeping Challenge, which featured the talents of housekeeping professionals. The competition aimed to showcase excellence in cleanliness and redefine industry standards. One hundred skilled Thai hotel housekeepers competed for the prestigious Housekeeping Champion title, which involved showcasing their cleaning skills, table setting skills and techniques. The competition provided a platform for exchanging cutting-edge cleaning techniques, fostering knowledge sharing, and bringing together Housekeeping Clubs and Associations across Thailand. The event aimed to unite professionals and create a community of housekeeping professionals who can learn from each other and help improve the industry's standards.
Overall, the THAIFEX-HOREC Asia event was a resounding success, creating broader connections and expanding the HoReCa industry in Asia. The event showcased the latest innovations in the industry and brought together professionals from different countries and cultures. It was a culinary extravaganza that highlighted the best of the HoReCa industry and its potential for growth and development in the years to come.