Like many industries in the country and around the world, the first half of 2020 was a real challenge for the F&B industry. Now that we have entered the second half of the year with restaurants and foodservice businesses allowed to reopen, many F&B manufacturers and brands have been working hard to create new products and events that can mitigate the risk of virus spread while serving the new norm. In some cases, manufacturers have even taken this opportunity to improve on their existing products.
Restaurants and foodservice businesses that have restarted their engines after months of winding down on operations can now also look forward to a range of new as well as improved products and events that can aid and improve our lives in this challenging time. Let’s take a look at some of the latest products that have entered the market as well as an upcoming event that is organised for the benefit of consumers.
THAIFEX – ANUGA ASIA GEARS up to serve the F&B INDUSTRY
Thailand has seen many positive developments in its recovery from COVID-19, ranking 2nd globally and 1st in Asia in the Global COVID-19 Index. The country has entered Phase 5 and has opened all domestic borders. It will also be the first APAC nation to reopen its borders to travellers and businesses through the creation of ‘travel bubbles’, which will welcome foreign visitors from selected countries that have managed to contain the outbreak. Against this backdrop, THAIFEX – Anuga Asia has reinforced its commitment to holding the 17th edition of the trade fair, empowering attending F&B professionals to kick-start their journey to recovery.
With new enhancements and safety measures implemented to adapt to the ‘New Normal’, THAIFEX – Anuga Asia, will be held in Bangkok from 22 – 26 September 2020. Co-organised by the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) and Koelnmesse, this year’s exhibition will be a ‘transitional event’ focusing on Thailand and its neighbouring Asian countries.
The ‘transitional event’ will include several essential enhancements to reboot, such as the improved event website experience, enhanced pre-registration platform, and a brand-new THAIFEX – Anuga Asia Virtual Meet. Attendees can look forward to 5 show days, and unlike past editions of only a single day of opening to the public, there will be 2 public days to encourage local consumption and spending.
Prioritising the wellbeing of participants
As the health and welfare of all stakeholders is the top priority, comprehensive measures have been planned and arranged to safeguard their wellbeing. The organisers are in close contact with Thailand’s Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) to address and implement safety guidelines on spacing, management of overseas participants, show density, and many more critical health and sanitation measures, to ensure the safety of local and overseas participants.
A new pre-registration platform will be available for visitors to print their own badges at on-site registration counters, with better managed queues and minimised crowds. With these various measures in place, attendees can rest assured and fully enjoy the range of activities across the 11 trade shows all under one roof.
A hybrid trade show
The trade show this year will include both online and offline elements with virtual options made available for selected event highlights. An improved event website has been set up for easy navigation for visitors to explore and discover more information on activities prior to, or during the trade fair. Activities such as the Future Food Experience+ will be returning as a fully digital experience, where selected panel discussions will be conducted via livestream sessions or pre-recorded webinars. Exhibitors will also benefit from wider exposure through streaming on Facebook Live, and with their information pinned on the event’s Facebook page, off-site viewers will be encouraged to reach out and contact them directly.
This unique workaround enables THAIFEX – Anuga Asia to maintain the same rigour and wide selection of activities while adapting to the safe-distancing environment. Both offline and online visitors can look forward to supporting programmes being delivered in new formats; all with the consistent focus on industry knowledge sharing, business networking and greater exposure in the market. Beyond the actual event days, buyers will be able to access an upgraded online platform to make direct requests for quotes and information from exhibitors. The platform is already active and will continue through the event till the end of 2020, providing exhibitors maximum mileage to influence a wider audience.
Connecting with business partners across the globe
The current climate has propelled new trends such as retailers, restaurants and even traditional businesses shifting their processes online. To help businesses leverage these trends and connect with peers for new collaboration, the Hosted Buyer Programme will expand its outreach to include top Thai buyers for the first time. With increased global reliance on digital retail platforms from businesses and consumers alike, the Programme will also create sourcing opportunities for buyers from e-commerce platforms.
In addition, DITP’s Trade Missions will continue to invite buyers from designated Asian countries where COVID-19 situations are under control. This year, the Hosted Buyer Programme will be extended to include a Virtual Meet where exhibitors will be able to interact with a curated group of 500 global buyers over conference. This will be available to all exhibitors after the trade show from 29th September to 2nd October to cater to buyers that are unable to be physically present at the event.
“Despite the challenges people around the world are facing, F&B remains essential and business must go on. We are ready to not only tide through this current situation, but to enable the F&B industry to come out stronger as changes in consumer behaviour undoubtedly create new opportunities. Through THAIFEX – Anuga Asia, we hope that stakeholders will be equipped with the knowledge and connections to thrive in the new normal,” said the organisers of THAIFEX – Anuga Asia.
For more information on THAIFEX – Anuga Asia, please visit https://thaifex-anuga.com/en/
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