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THAIFEX – ANUGA ASIA 2025: Driving Innovation & Global Opportunities in F&B for Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific’s most influential F&B trade show returns to Bangkok 27-31 May 2025 – spotlighting a renewed focus on functional, purpose-driven F&B products, emerging markets and global sourcing opportunities.

Highlights include:

  • THAIFEX – ANUGA ASIA 2025 expects to host over 90,000+ trade visitors and up to 2,000+ top hosted buyers, with more than 3,100+ exhibitors from over 50+ countries and regions expected to participate.
  • Expanded international presence with new participation from Central Asia, Africa and Eastern Europe, alongside new country and regional pavilions from Australia, Hong Kong, and the Netherlands — expanding the event’s global sourcing footprint.

24 April 2025, Singapore — THAIFEX – ANUGA ASIA 2025, Asia Pacific’s most influential F&B trade event, will return on 27 – 31 May 2025, at IMPACT, Muang Thong Thani, Bangkok, Thailand. This trade show will bring together industry players, thought-leaders, startup founders, and C-suite executives from across the globe to define and shape global trends on what we eat and how the industry is evolving.

Organised by the Department of International Trade Promotion, Ministry of Commerce, Thailand (DITP), the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) and Koelnmesse, the event will welcome over 3,100+ exhibitors from more than 50+ countries and regions, 2,000+ hosted buyers and 90,000+ trade visitors from around the world.

Reflecting the growing diversity of global supply chains, this year’s show welcomes new countries and regions from emerging markets such as Central Asia, Africa and Eastern Europe, including Gabon, Slovenia, Slovakia and Uzbekistan, while maintaining a strong presence of returning exhibitors and leading global players from Asia Pacific, Europe, North America and the Middle East. New pavilions from Australia, Hong Kong, and the Netherlands will further expand sourcing opportunities for buyers across the region.

“At THAIFEX – ANUGA ASIA this year, we are seeing a surge in purpose-driven innovation, as exhibitors, startups and speakers rethink how products can deliver more functional and targeted F&B products”, said Mathias Kuepper, Managing Director and VP Asia-Pacific at Koelnmesse. “Some are beginning to use real-time intelligence and AI to create smarter, consumer-responsive products and that is where we see THAIFEX – ANUGA ASIA as the launchpad to showcase these ideas — from functional foods to ready-to-eat formats that reflect the needs of Asia Pacific’s rapidly shifting consumer landscape.”

Spotlighting the evolution of F&B trends 

Themed ‘Beyond Food Experience’, THAIFEX – ANUGA ASIA 2025 will explore how food and beverage continues to evolve in response to changing consumer expectations, particularly the growing demand for purpose-driven F&B products that deliver functional benefits. This will be reflected across a series of special and supporting events, including:

  • THAIFEX – ANUGA Trend Zone: Curated by knowledge partner Innova Market Insights, this zone presents the top global and regional trends driving food innovation today.
  • THAIFEX – ANUGA tasteInnovation Show: Showcases the finalists and winners of innovative products, such as plant-based foods and alternative proteins, which are being incorporated into ready-to-eat meals and snacks without altering taste or texture.
  • THAIFEX – ANUGA Startup: A platform for 30 breakthrough innovators and disruptors to pitch their solutions to potential buyers, investors and industry leaders — giving them a first look at disruptive concepts shaping the next phase of F&B.
  • Future Food Experience+ and the Alternative Protein Taste & Flavour Challenge: A thought-leadership platform that features 70+ leaders and experts from Griffith Foods, Euromonitor International, Tetra Pak Thailand and more. The live tasting challenge invites trade visitors to sample and vote for their favourite alternative protein products on 27 May, with winners announced on 28 May.
  • Thailand Ultimate Chef Challenge: More than 400 chefs from across the world will compete in 20+ culinary categories from authentic Asian dishes to contemporary global cuisines, judged by 57 renowned experts from 12 countries, including Willment Leong, Aiden Jongsung Ahn, Batbaatar Ragchaa and Rudy Muller from Worldchefs Association.  

Accelerating Asia Pacific’s F&B growth momentum

As Asia Pacific’s food and beverage market continues to expand, THAIFEX – ANUGA ASIA stands at the centre of this regional growth, serving as a key platform for innovation, sourcing, and deal-making. According to Cognitive Market Research1, the Asia Pacific F&B market size is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.8% from 2024 to 2031, on the back of how the diverse cultures and traditions in APAC have constantly evolved the F&B business landscape. 

While hosted in Thailand — a vital gateway to the region — the event connects the entire Asia Pacific market, benefiting from Thailand’s export strength and central role in regional trade flows. According to the Ministry of Commerce, Thailand’s food exports are expected to grow by 2% in 2024, reaching USD 40.7 billion, reflecting broader market shifts across Asia Pacific.

Registration Now Open: Discover F&B Innovations

Discover transformative trends, connect with the world’s leading F&B decision-makers, and position your business for future growth. Visitors are highly encouraged to register here: https://registration.thaifex-anuga.com

Media professionals across the world are invited to explore and share compelling stories about the transformative trends shaping Asia Pacific’s F&B landscape. For media accreditation, please visit: https://forms.gle/RZs6nQMg8fjvxmwg8 

For more information, please visit www.thaifex-anuga.com

Tan Seng Kee Foods turns dumpling waste into delicious Krunch-Up

Tan Seng Kee Foods Pte Ltd, a heritage-based family business that producers preservative-free, fresh rice and wheat-based noodles, unveiled its latest Krunch-Up at the recent recent FHA-Food & Beverage 2025. Tan Seng Kee Foods is known for its Kang Kang brand.

Image credit: Minimeinsights.com

As the Grand Winner of the Singapore Upcycle Revival Challenge 2024, Krunch-Up topping is made from repurposed raw dough trimmings leftover from dumpling wrapper production. Krunch-Up is packaged in a resealable shaker bottle and is perfect for adding to noodles or rice for added flavours. Krunch-Up is available in three flavours: Mee Soto, Salted Egg and Chicken Rice.

Key takeaways: repurposing raw dough trimmings leftover from dumpling wrapper production

 

CorNiche Soft Lollipop offers soft, chewy sore throat relief

Image credit: Minimeinsights.com

CorNiche Soft Lollipop is the new product from Singapore’s Ace Synergy International Pte Ltd. In contrast to the usual lollipop with its hard texture, CorNiche Soft Lollipop is soft and chewy, and its primary purpose is to soothe sore throats.

Showcased at the recent FHA-Food & Beverage 2025, CorNiche Soft Lollipop comes in four variants: Blueberry (high in vitamin C), Lychee (high in vitamin C), Loquat & Pear, and Goji Berry & Chrysanthemum. All four contain plant-based ingredients and juice, and are free from artificial colours.

Key takeaways: soft lollipop to soothe sore throats

 

Nissin launches Mala Tang Cup Noodles in Singapore

In Singapore, Nissin Foods Pte Ltd has launched its latest limited edition: a Mala Tang flavoured cup noodle. This new product transforms the hugely popular Mala Tang soup into a convenient and delicious Cup Noodles experience.

Key takeaways: tap into popular flavour

Indonesia gets new Nobo Oat Milk

Nobo Oat Milk Creamy Classic (200ml) is now available in Indonesia. This oat milk in carton packaging is said to be a source of calcium, vitamin D, E, B1, B3, B6 and B12. Created by the team behind Oatside, the Nobo brand’s primary offering is Nobo Coconut Milk.

7Cosia launches Southeast Asia’s first vitamin D jelly

7Cocia Vitamin D Pop has launched in Indonesia, claiming to be the first jelly of its kind in Southeast Asia. This innovative product contains vitamin D and calcium and comes in strawberry and orange flavours.

The other new products by COTG Indonesia, the company behind the 7Cocia brand, are Kids Fruit Fancyland and Chewy Jelly Stick (Grape & Strawberry and Peach & Lychee). Kids Fruit Fancyland offers fat-free treats in fun shapes and delicious Strawberry, Mango, Yogurt, and Watermelon flavours.

Additionally, Ranch Grace Panna Cotta comes in White Peach, Grape and Yogurt flavours. anch Grace Panna Cotta is also low in calories, contains 5.5% whole milk powder and is rich in dietary fibre.

COTG Indonesia is a multinational FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods) enterprise specializing in the research, production, and marketing of food and beverages. It urrently we have two brands in Indonesia, namely 7COSIA and Drinkiss. 7COSIA, first entered into the Indonesian market in February 2024, targets young consumers with healthy snack options.

Key takeaways: healthy snacking

Biskies introduces oat and date biscuit for wholesome snacking

Biskies Oat Gandum Kurma is a new date biscuit first launched around the Ramadan period in Indonesia. These crispy wheat biscuits are combined with oat flakes and a filling of carefully selected date cream to create a satisfyingly textured and wholesome snack that is satiating.

Key takeaways: kurma innovation for Ramadan

1-In-10 People With Prediabetes Are Likely To Develop Type 2 Diabetes In A Year

Don’t let this happen to you – take the first step in prevention by getting a finger prick test!

KUALA LUMPUR, 25 APRIL 2025 – Prediabetes is a growing health concern affecting an estimated 1-in-4 Malaysian adults[1], with most remaining unaware, due to the lack of symptoms. According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Diabetes Atlas 2021, approximately 3.5 million (15.5%) of Malaysian adults have impaired glucose tolerance, indicating the presence of prediabetes.

To address this issue, the Stand Against Prediabetes (SAPd) Programme was established by the Malaysian Endocrine & Metabolic Society (MEMS) in collaboration with seven other medical and allied health societies, with support from Merck Malaysia. Following this, a nationwide community pharmacy prediabetes screening was launched under the ‘Check, Confirm, Consult, Change’ campaign. This effort is further strengthened with support from Roche Diagnostics, enhancing its reach and impact.

Currently, 735 pharmacies across Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak are participating in this screening initiative. These include Alpro Pharmacy, AM PM Pharmacy, BIG Pharmacy, FirstCare Pharmacy, Health Lane Pharmacy, HTM Pharmacy, Mega Kulim Pharmacy, Farmasi Murni, Pure Pharmacy, Straits Pharmacy, Sunlight Pharmacy, and Vision Pharmacy.

According to Emeritus Professor Dr Chan Siew Pheng, Chairperson of SAPd, “Prediabetes is defined as having high blood glucose level but not high enough to be considered as having type 2 diabetes. Nevertheless, this intermediate phase puts an individual at high risk of developing it eventually.

“Research shows that 1-in-10 people with prediabetes progressed to type 2 diabetes within a year[2], while up to over a 10-year period, a staggering 7-in-10 may end up developing diabetes[3]”, she elaborated. More research found that ignoring prediabetes can also lead to other serious complications such as cardiovascular disease3, vision loss[4], nerve damage[5], and chronic kidney disease[6].

Prof Dr Chan, who is a senior consultant endocrinologist, added, “This can be prevented with early detection and lifestyle intervention as well as medication, if necessary. You can easily check your risk level by using the SAPd’s online risk checker at https://standagainstprediabetes.my/check-your-risk.

Otherwise, visit a pharmacy for a simple finger prick test to check if your blood glucose level is elevated i.e. ≄5.6 mmol/L (fasted) or ≄7.8 mmol/L (random)”.

So far, over 65,000 individuals have undergone a finger prick blood glucose test at the participating pharmacies. Among those tested, more than 14,000 individuals were found to have abnormally high blood glucose levels.

Prof Dr Chan highlighted that although a finger prick test is convenient in informing your risk, it cannot diagnose prediabetes. “If you find that your blood glucose level is high, the next step is to undergo a proper blood test – a HbA1c or a fasting plasma glucose test, which can be arranged through your doctor or a diagnostic lab, to confirm if you have prediabetes,” she said, adding that working closely with your doctor is important in reclaiming your health.

“If your blood test results indicate a prediabetes diagnosis, it is vital to consult with your doctor. They can guide you through your specific needs to manage your condition and bring back your blood glucose level to normal. Regular follow-ups will help track your progress and provide the encouragement needed to stay on course towards better health”, Prof Dr Chan emphasised.

Test Normal Prediabetes Diabetes
HbA1c <5.7%

<39 mmol/mol

5.7%–6.2%

39–44 mmol/mol

≄6.3%

≄45 mmol/mol

Fasting Plasma Glucose <3.9–6.0 mmol/L 6.1–6.9 mmol/L ≄7.0 mmol/L
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test <3.9–7.7 mmol/L 7.8–11.0 mmol/L ≄11.1 mmol/L

Table 1: Blood glucose level values based on different blood tests3

This prediabetes screening campaign will continue until June 2025. Grab this opportunity to take charge of your health today! Check your blood glucose levels and make informed decisions to reduce your risk of serious heart, kidney and nerve complications.

[1] Institute for Public Health (IPH), National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia. 2020. National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2019

[2] Diabetes Prevention Program Research Group. N Engl J Med. 2002. 346;6:393-403

[3] Ministry of Health Malaysia. Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (6th edition) 2020

[4] Diabetes Prevention Program Research Group. Diabet Med. 2007 Feb;24(2):137-44.

[5] Brannick, et al. Experimental Biology and Medicine 2016. 241: 1323–1331.c

[6] Nathan, D. M., Davidson, M. B., DeFronzo, R. A., Heine, R. J., Henry, R. R., Pratley, R., Zinman, B., & American Diabetes Association (2007). Impaired fasting glucose and impaired glucose tolerance: implications for care. Diabetes care, 30(3), 753–759. https://doi.org/10.2337/dc07-9920

For educational purposes only

MY-NOND-00173

Hydroplus debuts smaller 200ml bottle

PT Savoria Kreasi Rasa has launched a smaller, 200ml PET bottle for its Hydroplus sports drink in Indonesia. The company states this makes Hydroplus the first 200ml sports drink available in the country, a move aimed at increasing accessibility and broadening its consumer reach through a lower price point. The current packaging size is 350ml.

Key takeaways: smaller bottle format

KFC Indonesia adds fried egg to Yakiniku Don, new menu possibilities

KFC Indonesia has added the new Yakiniku Don with Fried Egg to its menu. This dish features chicken strips, rice, Yakiniku sauce with onion and a fried egg. The introduction of the fried egg (telur dadar), now also available as a separate IDR 10,000 item, allows KFC to incorporate it into more offerings.

Key takeaways: KFC new fried egg

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