In partnership with THAIFEX - HOREC Asia
The future of hospitality was prominently showcased in Bangkok, Thailand, THAIFEX – HOREC Asia 2025, one of the region’s premier trade events for the hotel, restaurant, and catering (HoReCa) sectors. Over the course of three dynamic days from 5-7 March 2025, the event attracted an impressive 19,454 unique trade attendees — a remarkable 23% increase from the inaugural edition. These attendees hailed from 87 countries and regions, highlighting the event's global appeal and significance within the industry.
This year’s exhibition featured 466 exhibitors from 25 countries, reflecting a strong international presence with a 28% increase in participation from last year. Among the diverse group of attendees, more than 600 top-tier buyers engaged in extensive networking opportunities, resulting in a noteworthy 2,408 pre-arranged meetings — a 47% increase compared to the previous year. This surge in interaction underscores THAIFEX – HOREC Asia's evolving role as a strategic platform for driving business innovation and creating valuable deal-making opportunities in the HoReCa landscape.
Aligned with its theme, “Shaping the Future of HoReCa,” THAIFEX – HOREC Asia 2025 placed a strong emphasis on addressing global trends, particularly in sustainability and digital experiences. Attendees were treated to an exceptional showcase that featured eco-friendly solutions and cutting-edge technologies crucial for the industry’s evolution. New attractions this year included the Tech Lounge, where visitors could explore the latest technological advancements, and the Asian Pizza Show Academy, which offered hands-on workshops and demonstrations focused on culinary innovation.
Mathias Kuepper, Managing Director and VP Asia-Pacific of Koelnmesse, emphasised the significance of the event, stating, “THAIFEX – HOREC Asia 2025 has proven to be a valuable platform for Southeast Asia’s HoReCa industry, where participants forge new connections with international partners beyond the region to adopt and implement the latest technological innovations, allowing them to stay relevant and competitive,”
To foster strategic partnerships and facilitate deal-making, the organisers introduced the Hosted Buyers Programme—a premier networking hub for industry leaders, emerging players, and key decision-makers. This year, THAIFEX – HOREC Asia 2025 saw a record number of invited buyers.
“THAIFEX – HOREC Asia provides an important platform for Vietnam as we get to meet new partners and suppliers to learn about the latest technology and equipment. In this year’s hosted buyers programme, we have engaged in multiple meetings and secured deals valued close to USD 5 million in chinaware and supermarket equipment, such as chillers and refrigerators, to support our expansion plans,” stated Nguyen Duc Quynh, Chairman of the Danang Hotel Association and Chief Executive Officer of MENAS Vietnam.
The new highlight for 2025 was the Tech Lounge at THAIFEX – HOREC Academy, a dedicated space that features AI-driven automation, contactless services, and data-driven solutions designed to streamline business operations. Rachael Lee, the Head of Business Development at FutureLog, appreciated the chance to engage with business owners who were eager to leverage technology to boost efficiencies.
“The Tech Lounge is a dedicated platform for us to share our technology solutions beyond just conducting one-to-one meetings. We are seeing the shift in focus towards more automation, AI and digital transformation at THAIFEX – HOREC Asia this year because technology is absolutely necessary for the HoReCa industry,” said Rachael Lee, Head of Business Development of FutureLog AG.
The Asian Pizza Show Academy, a newly launched supporting program, showcased a curated selection of suppliers, master pizzaiolos, and cutting-edge pizza-making equipment, along with live masterclasses and hands-on tastings. In collaboration with Bellavita, a global leader in Italian gastronomy, this initiative boosts Southeast Asia's flourishing pizza market by bringing valuable expertise and experience.
“THAIFEX – HOREC Asia gives us a huge opportunity to discover new business opportunities in Thailand because we are not present here yet. We want to take advantage of this exclusive opportunity to discover the flourishing businesses of restaurants and pizzerias in Southeast Asia,” said Anna Cicogna, Export Manager of San Pietro a Pettine.
The second edition of the THAIFEX – HOREC Innovation Awards saw an impressive turnout, with over 125 entries submitted. Among them, 26 finalists were selected, and 10 winners were commended for their exceptional solutions that set new benchmarks in quality and sustainability.
“The THAIFEX – HOREC Innovation Award is a recognition of the work that we have done, not just for the development, but also in the marketing of our product. This is our first time participating in THAIFEX- HOREC Asia and it has been a positive experience meeting with potential partners – it is not just about the number of meetings we have, but the quality of the people we met with. Events like this give us an opportunity to meet with people from around the region in one place,” said Andrea De Dea, Export Sales Manager of Giorik.
This year, nearly 63% of exhibitors hailed from international companies and brands, underscoring Thailand's role as a leading regional powerhouse and a key strategic hub for the hospitality industry.
“We have arranged more than 30 meetings with potential buyers and have had promising discussions with many of them who are learning about our products and technology from Europe for the first time. THAIFEX – HOREC Asia is a good platform for us to connect with potential partners from Thailand and Southeast Asia, and we’re going to come again next year,” said Peter Cairoli, Chief Executive Officer of Gastros Switzerland.
THAIFEX – HOREC Asia returns on 11-13 March 2026. To participate in the next edition, please visit http://thaifex-horec.asia/.
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