Wesgro, the official Tourism Trade and Investment Promotion agency for Cape Town and the Western Cape, will lead a delegation of South African companies in exhibiting under the South African banner at the Food & Hotel Thailand (FHT) trade fair in Bangkok from 10 to 13 September 2014.
A total of 23 South African companies, led by Wesgro, will participate in the Food & Hotel Thailand (FHT) trade fair at the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC) from 10 to 13 September 2014.
Food & Hotel Thailand is the premium international 5-Star food and hospitality trade event in Asia. This year, over 250 participants from more than 19 countries, will showcase their products and services ranging from food, beverages, hotels, bakeries, restaurants, catering and equipment.
“This is the first time that a South African delegation will exhibit at FHT 2014 as a national pavilion,” says Ivy Chen, Wesgro’s International Trade Manager for Asia. “Of the 23 companies taking part, 18 are from the Western Cape, with 11 being wine producers. The wine industry is one of the fastest growing sectors in the province, with half of the wine produced being exported. Other South African offerings on display will include juices, rooibos tea, raisins, pickles, biltong and chocolate. This is therefore a great opportunity for our exporters to enter new markets, in particular, the high-end hotel and hospitality market in Thailand and the region.”
The companies are all small to medium-sized businesses in the Agro-processing sector. They are being supported by the national Department of Trade and Industry (dti) which has provided full sponsorship for each company including air tickets, accommodation and the exhibition pavilion, as well as meeting the cost of shipping free samples to display and distribute at the stand.
In addition to the exhibition, a South African taste event will take place at the Bangkok Club on 11 September.
“The South African Embassy in Thailand has shown enormous support for our participation in the FHT”, says Ivy. “They will be assisting by inviting local Thai importers to visit our pavilion and organising one on one meetings. The Embassy is also coordinating the SA taste evening at the Bangkok Club which will provide a space for potential buyers to get a taste of our products including our well-renowned wines.”
The trade fair attracts many hoteliers, retailers, investors, consultants and buyers. A conference will also take place concurrently where a wealth of information on the industry will be shared.
The South African participation in the FHT 2014 this year marks two milestones for the country namely, celebrating the 20th anniversary of freedom and democracy as well as the 21st anniversary of SA-Thailand diplomatic relations.
For more information, about the Food and Hotel Thailand visit www.besthailand.com/e-news/food/2014/south_africa/index.html