Reported by Mr. Sirasit Tatiyapantharak [#RETAILman | #RETAILmanX]

Bangkok, Thailand – The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC), and Koelnmesse (KM) have announced the return of THAIFEX – HOREC ASIA 2026, a leading international trade exhibition for the hotel, restaurant, café, and catering (HoReCa) industry. The event will take place from 11-13 March 2026 at Challenger Halls 1-2, IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Center, Muang Thong Thani. Building on the strong momentum of previous editions, the organisers expect the 2026 show to generate over THB 3.5 billion in trade value, while further reinforcing Thailand’s role as a key HoReCa trade hub for Asia.

Ms. Sunanta Kangvalkulkij, Director-General of DITP, stated that THAIFEX – HOREC ASIA was first launched in 2024 through a collaboration between DITP, the Thai Chamber of Commerce, and Koelnmesse, with the objective of creating a dedicated international trade platform focused specifically on the HoReCa sector. The initiative builds on the long-standing success of THAIFEX – ANUGA ASIA, one of Asia’s most established food trade shows. 

“The results clearly demonstrate that the direction is right,” Ms. Sunanta said. “In 2025, the show recorded a 30 percent increase in exhibitors compared to the inaugural edition, welcomed 19,454 visitors from Thailand and overseas, and generated THB 3,347.11 million in trade value. This consistent growth reflects the rising relevance of the HoReCa sector and the strength of Thailand’s offerings in the global market.”

For its third edition, THAIFEX – HOREC ASIA 2026 will expand to Challenger Halls 1-2, offering significantly increased exhibition capacity and improved accessibility, including direct connectivity via the Pink Line MRT at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani Station (MT01). The event will be held across three full business days and will showcase products and solutions across nine core HoReCa sectors: Bakery & Ice-Cream, Café & Bar, Cleaning & Laundry, Dining, Furnishing, Kitchen, Services, Tech, and Wellness. This year, we have placed special emphasis on showcasing eco-friendly products and services in response to the growing sustainability trend that the global HoReCa industry is actively embracing. Moreover, the event will feature special zones and curated activities designed to enrich the overall experience.

Ms. Sunanta added that the 2026 edition will serve as a “gateway to the global market” for Thai entrepreneurs by bringing together buyers, importers, and business partners from multiple countries on one platform. The organisers expect to welcome more than 20,000 trade visitors from around the world.

Dr. Kitsana Vachekrilas, Vice Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the strategic importance of the event to Thailand’s HoReCa industry. “Tourism and hospitality remain key engines of Thailand’s economy, both in terms of revenue and employment. As the industry transitions from mass tourism toward high-value tourism, THAIFEX – HOREC ASIA 2026 plays a critical role in supporting Thai entrepreneurs, particularly SMEs, in upgrading products, services, technology, and management standards to meet global market demands.”

He added that this year’s exhibition will feature over 600 brands, including more than 270 Thai companies, showcasing innovative products and solutions that integrate technology, design, and sustainability. These range from kitchen equipment and management systems to hotel and restaurant technologies, as well as end-to-end solutions that enhance efficiency and reduce operating costs. A key highlight is the Hospitality Design Zone, which presents furniture and interior design works by Thai designers that have been implemented in real-world hospitality projects locally and internationally, underscoring Thailand’s growing strength in design-led HoReCa solutions.

Ms. Wendy Lim, General Manager, Food and Food Technology Exhibitions, Koelnmesse, noted that THAIFEX – HOREC ASIA 2026 marks an important step in aligning the show more closely with the real operational needs of today’s hospitality and foodservice industries. “This year, the event expands clearly in both scale and scope. The event has also attracted new groups of international exhibitors, including France, the Netherlands, and Spain, in addition to long-standing participating countries such as Italy, China, and Singapore. More importantly, it places strong emphasis on day-to-day HoReCa operations. The show evolves beyond a traditional trade fair into a practical platform where participants can see, learn, and apply solutions to improve business performance.”

Key highlights include the THAIFEX – HOREC Xperiential Zone, featuring professional demonstrations of HoReCa trends; the THAIFEX – HOREC Academy, offering expert-led knowledge-sharing sessions; and the THAIFEX – HOREC Innovation Awards, recognising outstanding innovations. Additional programmes include the ASEAN Coffee Roasting Championship, the Coffee Appreciation Protocol training and demonstrations, and the Thailand Ultimate Housekeeping Challenge.

The event also places strong emphasis on business matching through its enhanced buyer engagement initiatives. For 2026, more than 600 Trade Mission and Hosted Buyers, comprising key decision-makers from Thailand and international markets, have been invited to participate, ensuring targeted, outcome-driven business matching between qualified buyers and exhibitors.

THAIFEX – HOREC ASIA 2026 will be held from 11-13 March 2026, from 10:00-18:00 hrs, at Challenger Halls 1-2, IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Center, Muang Thong Thani. For more information and pre-registration, please visit https://www.thaifex-horec.asia 

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