MEDIA RELEASE PR31866
Food Ingredients Asia 2008 Opens to a Grand Success Once Again in Time of Food
Ingredients Industry Boom
BANGKOK, Sept. 18 /PRNewswire-AsiaNet/ --
The ASEAN region's premier event for the food ingredients industry is opening
today: Come see the latest technology and products from all four corners of
the world and get an insight into the present healthy food trend
CMP Media (Thailand), CMP Information (Netherlands), National Food Institute
(NFI) and Food Science and Technology Association of Thailand (FoSTAT) jointly
bring you Food ingredients Asia 2008 to Queen Sirikit National Convention Center
from September 24th to 26th 2008.
Food ingredients Asia 2008 is a window of networking opportunities and a
chance for visitors to bring themselves up to the speed of all relevant trends
and developments in the food industry. The market is a major driving force behind
the Thai economy, with food export value accounting for over 20% of total export
value. The food ingredients market (as distinct from the finished food industry)
is growing particularly strongly, since products have been developed that can
help enhance the values of food products. Current technological development is
also contributing to the health food trend, helping combine taste and flavor with
nutritional benefits. The event is unparalleled within the region.
Thailand was chosen to host Food ingredients Asia 2008 because of its
strategic location in the middle of the ASEAN region. The Economist suggests that
the population of Asia is in the vicinity of 3.9 billion people, with the
majority living on the Indian peninsular, the coastal areas of China, Japan &
Korea, plus the Pacific rim. With Bangkok at the heart of this 3
billion-person catchment area, this strategically situated event is designed to
help drive the food ingredients forward.
"Times for producers are challenging," says Vincent Brain, Event Manager at
CMP Information in the Netherlands. "The downturn in the global economy, combined
with fluctuations in commodity prices and exchange rates have forced producers to
adjust their business models in order to stay competitive. They also have to
accommodate the changing demands of consumers, both in terms of tastes and
lifestyles. That is why Food ingredients Asia has gained the full support of so
many agencies, since the purpose of the show is to help producers overcome - and
where possible, take advantage - of current market conditions. The show has
become a must-attend event for the industry, as well as a major trendsetter.
Companies from around the world including United States, China, Australia and
Thailand are exhibiting at Food ingredients Asia, as witnessed by the many
pavilions present. The show will feature a full range of technological
innovations for today's food processing industry."
Brain continues: "Last year we had visitors from 55 counties and more than
140 exhibitors from around the world. This year we are expecting even more
coverage as the focus of the world concentrates on this region. Current trends
include an increasing consumer appetite for healthy and natural products,
demonstrated by the number of natural extracts, superfoods and nutraceuticals on
display."
Meanwhile, Dr. Yuthasak Suppasorn, Director of Thailand's National Food
Institute (NFI) elaborated, "Despite economic uncertainty, the recent easing of
commodity prices should positively contribute to Thai food export during the
second half of 2008. The Thai food export value should increase by at least 20%
to over 750,000 Million Baht. Nevertheless, given the uncertainty that is abound
in the market, all companies need to anticipate the ever-changing consumer
trends, particularly those involving health food."
"Within the next four years the National Food Institute is trying to reach
the level of over 70% of Thai food producers qualifying for international
standards to help drive exports. Food ingredients Asia 2008 is a major event for
everyone in the industry to get together, share experience and find solutions.
This is where you can gain insights into the market and bring yourself up to date
with technological developments, enabling you to formulate strategy," added Dr.
Yuthasak.
"The food industry is developing quickly in terms of health and taste
qualities to accommodate consumer demand. Healthy food with poor texture and
flavor qualities are likely to have a limited shelf life. Taste has to go hand in
hand with nutritional values and health qualities."
"Fi Asia 2008 will host a seminar titled Global Trends in Food Ingredients:
Healthier Choice to inform everyone of trends and developments of food additives.
It will focus on food ingredients which are improved to give consumers not only
tastier food but also better health. Directors within food science and technology
related associations from other ASEAN countries are invited to chair each section
of the seminar. Experienced lecturers from many countries are going to highlight
developments of food additives which contribute to better products and the
benefit of Thai food producers," said Darunee Edwards, President of Food Science
and Technology Association of Thailand (FoSTAT)
Food ingredients Asia 2008 has been running now for a number of years. The
significance of this event is multiplied when the world puts its spotlight on
Asia. With strong economic growth, many believe the 21st century will be the
golden era of Asia, thereby making the show a must-attend for anyone in this
market.
For more information, please contact:
Patcharawadee Sutthipool, Pakaphan Kongtanajittakul
CMP Media (Thailand) Co., Ltd.
Tel: +66-2642-6911 Ext. 413 or 412
SOURCE CMP Media (Thailand) Co. Ltd.
/CONTACT: Patcharawadee Sutthipool or Pakaphan Kongtanajittakul, CMP Media
(Thailand) Co., Ltd., +66-2642-6911 Ext. 413 or 412/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com/
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