Southeast Asia is known as an important market in general; the local economies in countries like Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Myanmar, South Korea and India are growing steadily over the past few years and there is a growing middle class that spends more money on diversified foods and flowers. As well as this, the area can be seen as important exporters in the floriculture sector; Thai floriculture sector has been recognized by worldwide buyers for its success in developing outstanding breeds and Malaysia has become the largest exporter of cut chrysanthemums to Japan. Combine these factors together with a rising demand for locally produced fruit and vegetables, and you will learn that Southeast Asia is an important place to introduce commercial greenhouse technology, starting materials and cool chain management.
Demand for responsible production
Also automation is on the rise as many countries in the area are experiencing a rising cost in labour. And as more and more Western retailers are breaking ground, the locally grown food and flowers must be cultivated responsibly and free of residues, which leads the way for suppliers of biological crop protection and responsible production methods.Previously, visits to the Horti Asia trade show taught us that all of the factors mentioned above have given the show an interesting visiting audience; the show attracts growers that are eager to learn new production techniques; a reason for many exhibitors to participate in the show. The exhibitions receive strong back up of important Thai stakeholders in the horticulture industry such as the Ministry of Agriculture, the Thai Horticultural Society and the Thai Orchid Export Associations.
Country pavilions
According to the show organizer Gerard Leeuwenburgh, managing director VNU Exhibitions Asia Pacific, this year even more exhibitors will participate in the show. "We have experienced positive feedback from last year's exhibitors, and many of them will return this year, supplemented with a selection of new exhibitors", Leewenburgh said. "Of course the Dutch horticultural suppliers are strongly represented with more than 25 companies, but also official Pavilions from Germany, Korea, Taiwan, China, Indonesia and the Philippines will be present at HortiAsia."Besides this, leading suppliers from Israel, Italy and Spain have found their way to HortiAsia, there are even exhibitors from Myanmar. "Our extensive visitor promotion campaign in Southeast Asia and the resulting growth in numbers of international trade visitors, mainly from the Asian-region, is paying off", Leewenburgh said. "The momentum of the horticulture industry is right now in Southeast Asia. There is a lot of interest in professionalizing and investing in the industry. Besides growers we see more and more representatives of retail chains coming to HortiAsia. The horticulture industry in South East Asia is going to explode."
IFTEX Asia 2014
In addition, VNU Exhibitions have also added the International Flower Trade Exhibition Asia to the show to promote and develop floriculture business in Southeast Asia. This exhibition will be the home for floriculture companies that are a part of Asia's thriving flower industry. It is created to provoke buyers and sellers and to create awareness of the growing industry. As well as this, it will become a platform to share new innovations and technologies.Safety in Bangkok
Despite the fact that Bangkok has been the scene of local political unrest over the past few months, the organization of Horti Asia 2014 is convinced there is no need for concern for visitors and exhibitors of the trade show. Leeuwenburgh: "The demonstrations in the city centre of Bangkok are peaceful, centralized in a few locations and completely focused on local politics. The Thai people fully recognize and appreciate the importance of tourism and business continuing as usual. Tourists and business travellers will be safe if they use common sense." Click here for an official statement on the Thai Political Situation by the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau. (PDF, March 2, 2014)
The exhibition will be held from 8-10 May in the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre (BITEC). More information can be found at www.hortiasia.net
Direct contact with trade show organization:
Horti Asia
VNU Exhibitions Asia Pacific
hortiasia@vnuexhibitionsap.com
www.hortiasia.net