Food & Hotel Thailand Draws Buyers from across ASEAN Region

Now in its 20th year, Food & Hotel Thailand has developed into one of the ASEAN region’s premier trade shows and an excellent showcase for U.S. beef and pork. This year’s four-day event attracted nearly 27,000 attendees and 271 exhibitors from 21 countries. USMEF’s participation was made possible through support from the Pork Checkoff, the Beef Checkoff Program and the USDA Market Access Program (MAP).

Held at the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Center in conjunction with Thailand’s International Culinary Cup competition, Food & Hotel Thailand generated significant media coverage and drew food and beverage industry professionals from several key markets in the region such as Singapore, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia and Laos.

Market access for U.S. beef in Thailand is limited to boneless beef cuts and processed boneless beef products (which were added earlier this month) from cattle less than 30 months of age. Through July, exports were down about 10 percent in volume (94 metric tons or 207,235 pounds) from last year but surged 25 percent in value to $884,000.

Though Thailand is also a small market for U.S. pork and includes no access for pork offal, pork exports have performed well in 2012. Through July, exports nearly doubled last year’s pace in volume (167 metric tons or about 368,000 pounds) and increased 56 percent in value to $311,500.

“From a volume standpoint, Thailand is very small compared to some other key markets in the region,” said USMEF-ASEAN Director Sabrina Yin. “But with Thailand being a significant tourist destination, its hospitality industry is growing rapidly - both in size and in the level of culinary influence it has on neighboring markets. This is one of the factors that makes Food & Hotel Thailand an important venue for U.S. beef and pork.”

U.S. beef cuts displayed at the event included striploin, tenderloin, ribeye, chuck roll, top blade and short plate, while pork items included name-brand sausages and other processed pork products.