The first half of the year is usually a big one when it comes to trade fairs in the F&B industry, and one of the biggest is happening this month at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani. Spanning five days from May 27-31, THAIFEX – ANUGA ASIA 2025 is a gargantuan exhibition show focusing on innovations in the culinary industry, cross-border networking, and future-focused discussions that reshape how—and what—Asia eats.

 

The event expects to welcome over 90,000 trade visitors and 3,100 exhibitors from more than 50 countries across the world, not just Asia. They’ve recently expanded the on-site pavilions to include Central Asia, Africa, and Eastern Europe alongside first-time showcases from Australia, Hong Kong, and the Netherlands.  

 

 

The theme of this year’s event is “Beyond Food Experience”, which highlights the rising demand for functional, purpose-driven food products. You can expect to see everything from plant-based snacks and AI-developed ready-to-eat meals to alternative protein products that are getting closer every day to their more common counterparts. 

 

The show offers a lot more than just a walk through exhibition halls. The Trend Zone, curated by Innova Market Insights, spotlights global F&B trends, while the tasteInnovation Show celebrates the best in forward-thinking product design. If you are part of the start up scene or just like watching a bunch of other start ups pitch their visions of the future, you can catch the THAIFEX – ANUGA Startup, which sees 30 innovators pitch live to investors and industry heavyweights.

 

 

As is usual, food industry leadership takes the stages at Future Food Experience+, a seminar series featuring 70+ speakers from major players like Griffith Foods, Tetra Pak Thailand, and Euromonitor International. Meanwhile, the Alternative Protein Taste & Flavour Challenge is your chance to try and vote on alternative-protein products before winners are eventually crowned on May 28.

 

One of our personal favorites is the Thailand Ultimate Chef Challenge, which returns this year with more than 400 chefs competing in over 20 categories—think everything from authentic Asian street food to experimental modern cuisine.

 

 

The event arrives at a time of continued growth in the regional food and beverage scene. According to Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce, the country’s food exports are projected to reach US$40.7 billion in 2024, reflecting broader market trends across Asia Pacific.