Fi Asia makes its 2022 return in two locations
Fi global jars. Image credit: Informa Markets
Fi Asia is returning for its 25th edition with one event in two convenient locations, plus five months online access.
Informa Markets in ASEAN, as the show’s organiser, says it is confident that Food ingredients Asia exhibitions will demonstrate how business to business trade fairs can operate safely and effectively, whilst still driving new business to their exhibitors and showcasing the latest products and technology to trade visitors. The in-person events in 2022 will be taking place from 7 – 9 September at the Jakarta International Expo, Jakarta, and from 5 – 7 October 2022 at the new exhibition centre “QSNCC”, Bangkok, Thailand, while also offering a five-month online event solution to support the market.
Indonesia boasts the fourth largest population in the world and the Statista Consumer Market Outlook estimates that Indonesia’s food market revenue is expected to grow annually by 5.17% (CAGR 2022-2026). However, according to Deloitte Indonesia’s Business and Industry Updates, the Covid-19 outbreak has increased consumer concern over the health aspects of food and promoted the rise of online grocery shopping. As such, there has been an accelerated consumer shift towards healthier food and beverage options, including unprocessed or minimally processed foods such as fresh produce and ingredients. One prime example of companies exhibiting at Fi Asia Indonesia this year who have embraced this shift is ‘ADM Asia Pacific Trading’ which features botanicals in its beverages.
Thailand is the 13th largest food exporter in the world and the second largest in Asia due to its high-quality offerings and variety of product lines across different markets. According to the National Food Institute, food exports in Thailand are expected to fetch $ 35.820 billion this year, a likely new record. It seems clear that even with its small population as compared to Indonesia, Thailand is well positioned in terms of food and beverage production but to remain so, will be reliant on F&B companies continuing to deliver quality and consistency. Two such companies at Fi Asia 2022 that are already doing this are, ‘SMS Corporation Co’ which does innovative food starch and, ‘Premium Foods Co’ which does dehydrated and frozen products and liquid flavours.
“Consumer behaviour shifted dramatically during the past 25 months of the pandemic which changed food and consumer trends from pre-pandemic times. These trends encouraged food and beverage producers to be innovative to ensure that the variety of offerings met customer demands. A focus on health, food safety and sustainability are three of those trends that enticed producers to adopt and adapt their food products to consumers. Furthermore, micro ingredients used in the food and beverage products are mainly sourced from outside the ASEAN. However, local producers have developed indigenous ingredients that enhance and add value to agricultural raw materials. As such, Food ingredients Asia become the key driver to create more varieties of food offerings and differentiate them from the competition.” Said Rungphech Chitanuwat, group director – ASEA, Informa Markets.
According to the organisers, many of the show’s participants find it essential to attend Fi Asia to stay connected with the community and do business. This year, Fi Asia 2022 will take place in two key locations of Bangkok and Jakarta, to ensure that the hub of the food industry in ASEAN stays both connected and updated. Food producers and manufacturers from the region can choose to visit whichever location best fits their travel schedule and budget. The organisers expect Indonesian travel restrictions to be more relaxed in the second quarter of 2022.
In addition to the in-person event in Jakarta and Bangkok, the organisers will offer an online content platform to enable the food and beverage community to connect, do business and stay updated easily from wherever they are. Participants will have access to the online platform for a full five months – starting in June 2022 and ending in October.