How to Exhibit at Thaifex – Anuga Asia 2026: The Complete Exhibitor Guide

Why Thaifex – Anuga Asia Is ASEAN's Most Important Food Trade Show

Thaifex – Anuga Asia is the largest food and beverage trade exhibition in Southeast Asia and one of the top five food trade shows globally by exhibitor count. Held every May in Bangkok, Thailand, Thaifex consistently attracts over 2,800 exhibitors from 50+ countries and draws more than 95,000 trade visitors across five days — with a buyer audience concentrated in ASEAN, South Asia, and the broader Asia-Pacific region.

For halal food brands, Thaifex offers a unique combination: a market that straddles both OIC and non-OIC Southeast Asia. Thailand itself has approximately 5 million Muslim residents (predominantly in the southern provinces bordering Malaysia) and is a significant halal food exporter — Thai halal certification (CICOT) is recognised across the GCC and parts of Europe. The show's buyer base includes major importers from Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and the broader ASEAN market, as well as buyers from the Middle East, South Asia, and East Asia attending for sourcing.

Thaifex – Anuga Asia 2026 is scheduled for 27–31 May 2026 at BITEC (Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre), Bang Na, Bangkok. The show is co-organised by Koelnmesse (the Anuga parent organisation) and DITP (Thailand's Department of International Trade Promotion), giving it both strong regional roots and international brand credibility.

Who Should Exhibit at Thaifex 2026?

Thaifex is particularly valuable for:

• Halal food brands targeting ASEAN distribution — Thaifex is the primary sourcing platform for ASEAN food importers and distributors. Malaysian, Indonesian, Singaporean, and Vietnamese food importers all attend with active buying mandates.
• OIC country exporters entering Southeast Asia — GCC, Turkish, and South Asian halal food brands seeking ASEAN distribution find Thaifex the most concentrated ASEAN buyer meeting point outside of MIHAS.
• Thai halal exporters — Thailand is one of the world's largest halal food exporters by value. The Thai government actively supports halal food exhibition presence. CICOT-certified Thai exporters targeting Middle Eastern and ASEAN markets should treat Thaifex as a home-ground advantage.
• Food technology and ingredients suppliers — ASEAN's food manufacturing sector is rapidly growing. Thaifex's ingredients and processing technology section attracts strong buyer interest from regional food manufacturers.
• Seafood and aquaculture producers — Thailand and Vietnam are global seafood powerhouses, and the seafood section at Thaifex attracts buyers from across Asia-Pacific and the Middle East.
• Natural, organic, and functional food brands — Southeast Asia's middle class is increasingly health-conscious. Thaifex's health food and organic section has grown rapidly over recent editions.

Thaifex is not primarily a halal-focused show — unlike MIHAS, which is built around the halal ecosystem. But its ASEAN buyer concentration, accessible cost base, and growing halal segment make it a strong complement to MIHAS for brands building an ASEAN distribution network.

Thaifex 2026 Booth Costs and Packages

Thaifex is organised by Koelnmesse and DITP. Booth rates are set in Thai Baht (THB), making it one of the most accessible major food trade shows globally for first-time international exhibitors.

Shell Scheme Rates (Estimated for 2026)

Package	Size	Price (THB)	Price (USD approx.)	Price/sqm (USD)
Shell Scheme In-Line	9 sqm (3m × 3m)	~THB 120,000	~USD 3,400	~USD 378/sqm
Shell Scheme In-Line	12 sqm (4m × 3m)	~THB 160,000	~USD 4,500	~USD 375/sqm
Shell Scheme Corner	9 sqm (corner position)	~THB 133,000	~USD 3,750	~USD 417/sqm
Space Only	Custom (min 18 sqm)	Contact Koelnmesse	Contact Koelnmesse	~USD 260–320/sqm

Note: USD conversions assume approximately THB 35.5/USD. All prices are estimates based on published 2025 rates with a typical 3–5% annual adjustment. Official 2026 rates will be confirmed by Koelnmesse/DITP when exhibitor registration opens. Check the official Thaifex – Anuga Asia website for confirmed pricing.

Thaifex booth costs are among the lowest of any major international food trade show — roughly 25–30% of equivalent SIAL Paris rates and significantly less than Gulfood. This makes it an excellent entry point for first-time international exhibitors testing the ASEAN market before committing to higher-cost shows.

What's Included in a Thaifex Shell Scheme

• Modular partition walls (2.5m high)
• Carpet flooring
• Fascia board with company name
• 2 overhead spotlights per 9 sqm
• 1 power socket (220V/16A — Thailand uses 220V)
• 1 reception counter
• 2 chairs
• Exhibitor badges (typically 3–4 per 9 sqm)

Country Pavilion Option

DITP organises the Thai pavilion, which is the largest at the show. For international exhibitors, several countries organise group pavilions: Malaysia (MATRADE), Indonesia (ITPC), South Korea, Japan, and others. OIC country exporters should contact their national trade promotion agency to check pavilion participation — national pavilions at Thaifex often include buyer matchmaking sessions and government-funded promotional support.

Thaifex 2026 Hall Guide

BITEC has 12 exhibition halls. Thaifex – Anuga Asia uses the full complex plus outdoor areas. Category zones:

• Halls 1–3 — Thai Pavilion: The dominant section of the show. Thai food exporters, government-supported pavilions, and flagship Thai food brands. High buyer traffic throughout all five days.
• Hall 4 — International Pavilion: Country pavilions from non-Thai exhibitors. This is where Malaysian, Indonesian, GCC, and other OIC country exhibitors typically cluster. Strong buyer traffic from ASEAN importers seeking international supply diversity.
• Hall 5 — Seafood and Aquaculture: One of Thaifex's busiest sections. Thai, Vietnamese, and Indonesian seafood producers dominate. Strong demand from ASEAN, Japanese, and Middle Eastern seafood importers.
• Hall 6 — Meat and Poultry: Includes halal-certified meat and poultry sections. Thai halal-certified chicken and processed poultry brands exhibit here alongside international meat suppliers. CICOT-certified products have strong representation and buyer demand from GCC and ASEAN importers.
• Hall 7 — Beverages: Non-alcoholic beverages, functional drinks, coconut water, herbal beverages, and hot drinks. ASEAN's functional beverage market is strong and growing — halal-certified functional drinks from Malaysia and Indonesia perform well in this section.
• Hall 8 — Bakery, Confectionery, and Snacks: Strong buyer traffic from ASEAN modern trade retailers and convenience store chains. Halal-certified snacks from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand have growing demand from Vietnamese, Philippine, and regional buyers.
• Hall 9 — Natural, Organic, and Health Foods: Fastest-growing zone at Thaifex. ASEAN premium retail buyers are actively sourcing health-positioned products. Halal-certified natural food brands from OIC countries are well-received here.
• Hall 10 — Food Ingredients, Additives, and Technology: B2B section. Thai and ASEAN food manufacturers sourcing ingredients, flavour compounds, and food processing technology. Halal-certified ingredient suppliers have growing demand as ASEAN manufacturers expand halal production lines.

The Thaifex 2026 Application Process

Step 1: Apply Online or Through Your Country Pavilion

Visit thaifex-anugaasia.com/exhibit to apply as an independent exhibitor. Applications for Thaifex 2026 typically open in September–October 2025. Apply before December 2025 to secure preferred hall placement — popular zones (seafood, international pavilion, health foods) fill quickly.

Step 2: Booth Assignment and Payment

Koelnmesse/DITP assign spaces based on category fit and application order. A deposit of 30–50% is due within 30 days of contract signing. Final payment is typically due 3 months before the show.

Step 3: Freight and Logistics

Thailand has a recommended freight forwarder for Thaifex. Bangkok is a well-connected logistics hub — freight from ASEAN, South Asia, and the Middle East typically arrives within 5–10 days. Thai customs clearance for food samples is relatively straightforward compared to Japan or the EU. Engage your freight forwarder 6 weeks before the show.

Halal Certification at Thaifex: What You Need to Know

• CICOT is the recognised Thai halal body. The Central Islamic Council of Thailand (CICOT) is Thailand's government-recognised halal certification authority. CICOT certification is accepted in the GCC, Malaysia (JAKIM), and several European markets. Thai CICOT-certified products have a strong competitive advantage at Thaifex because ASEAN and GCC buyers recognise the standard.
• JAKIM and MUI are equally recognised. For Malaysian and Indonesian exhibitors, bringing JAKIM or MUI certification opens every halal buyer conversation at Thaifex without question.
• The ASEAN halal buyer ecosystem is concentrated. Malaysian halal food importers, Indonesian distributors, and Singapore halal food buyers all attend Thaifex actively. Having your certification documentation ready — including the certificate, your certifying body's accreditation, and a product ingredient declaration — facilitates faster buyer qualification.
• Thailand's halal zone. BITEC and the Thaifex organiser designate specific areas for halal food exhibitors within the Thai pavilion and international halls. Check with the organiser to request halal zone placement — it concentrates buyer traffic from halal-specific importers.

Cross-check your certifier's recognition across ASEAN markets in our global halal certifier directory.

Budgeting for Thaifex 2026

Cost Item	Estimated Cost (USD)
Shell scheme booth (9 sqm)	$3,400
Stand extras (furniture, AV, refrigeration)	$800 – $1,800
Freight and customs (product samples to Bangkok)	$800 – $2,000
Marketing materials (English + Thai brochures, samples)	$1,000 – $2,500
Flights (2–3 staff, from SE Asia or Middle East)	$800 – $3,000
Accommodation (5 nights Bangkok, 2–3 rooms)	$1,200 – $2,500
Per diem and incidentals (Bangkok is affordable)	$600 – $1,200
Total (conservative estimate)	$8,600 – $16,400

Budget $10,000–$17,000 for a first-time Thaifex appearance — making it the most affordable major international food trade show for ASEAN market entry. Bangkok's excellent flight connectivity and low accommodation costs compared to Tokyo, Paris, or Dubai make the total investment significantly more accessible.

Maximising Your ROI at Thaifex 2026

Before the Show

• Register for the Thaifex Hosted Buyer programme. Koelnmesse/DITP run a hosted buyer programme that brings senior procurement executives from ASEAN food retail chains and importers to the show. Request matching with hosted buyers in your category — these pre-arranged meetings are among the highest-value interactions at Thaifex.
• Identify ASEAN distributor targets. Research which distributors handle comparable products in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, and the Philippines. Many exhibit or attend Thaifex themselves — pre-scheduling meetings before you arrive converts show time to qualified pipeline.
• Prepare Thai-language product materials. While English is widely spoken at Thaifex trade levels, Thai-language product summaries are valued by Thai buyers and demonstrate seriousness about the Thai market specifically.

During the Show

• Serve product samples actively. Thaifex has a strong food sampling culture — Thai buyers in particular make detailed taste comparisons. Product quality judged on the show floor has an outsized influence on buyer interest.
• Engage the Thai retail buyer audience. Major Thai modern trade chains (Central Food Hall, Tops Market, Villa Market, BigC, Lotus's) source internationally at Thaifex. If premium retail in Thailand is a target, brief your stand team on Thai retail buyer priorities (consistent supply, competitive landed cost, attractive packaging).

After the Show

• Follow up within 5 days. ASEAN business culture is warm and relationship-driven but fast-moving. Follow up quickly and personally — a brief personalised email referencing your specific conversation performs far better than a mass post-show newsletter.
• Plan a Bangkok or KL market visit post-show. Many exhibitors extend their Thailand trip by 2–3 days to visit Bangkok supermarkets, wet markets, and food service operators. The market intelligence gathered is invaluable for positioning your product in the ASEAN channel.

Thaifex vs. Other ASEAN Food Trade Shows

Show	Best For	Total Budget	Halal Focus	Location
Thaifex – Anuga Asia (Bangkok)	ASEAN-wide sourcing, Thai market entry, cost-efficient Asia presence	$10K–$17K	Medium (growing)	Bangkok, Thailand (May)
MIHAS (Kuala Lumpur)	Dedicated halal ecosystem, OIC-wide buyers, halal certification sourcing	$8K–$15K	Very High	Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (May)
FoodEx Japan (Tokyo)	Japan/NE Asia market entry	$14K–$24K	Low-Medium	Tokyo, Japan (March)
Fi Asia (Jakarta)	Food ingredients, Indonesia market entry	$10K–$18K	Medium	Jakarta, Indonesia (biennial)

For ASEAN market entry, the optimal sequence for a halal food brand is: MIHAS first (dedicated halal ecosystem, concentrated OIC buyer network) → Thaifex (broader ASEAN buyer base, more accessible cost, Thai market access) → FoodEx Japan (Northeast Asia expansion). All three shows are within ASEAN travel range and can be planned as a coordinated APAC trade show campaign.

Explore all upcoming events in our global halal expo calendar or browse our full exhibitor guide library.

Key Dates for Thaifex – Anuga Asia 2026

• Exhibitor application opens: Approximately September–October 2025
• Early booking deadline: Approximately December 2025
• Final payment deadline: Approximately February 2026
• Freight delivery window to BITEC: Approximately 22–25 May 2026
• Build-up: Approximately 25–26 May 2026
• Show dates: 27–31 May 2026
• Breakdown: 31 May (afternoon) – 1 June 2026

All dates are estimates based on historical Thaifex scheduling. Confirm exact deadlines at the official Thaifex – Anuga Asia website.

Final Checklist: Are You Ready to Exhibit at Thaifex 2026?

• ✅ Valid halal certification recognised in ASEAN markets (JAKIM, MUI, CICOT, or equivalent)
• ✅ Product compliant with Thai FDA import requirements (if commercially exporting post-show)
• ✅ English and ideally Thai-language product materials prepared
• ✅ Product samples ready for active food demonstration
• ✅ CIF Bangkok pricing calculated for ASEAN distributors
• ✅ Budget of $10,000–$17,000 allocated
• ✅ Freight forwarder engaged for Bangkok delivery
• ✅ ASEAN distributor targets identified and meeting requests sent pre-show
• ✅ Post-show follow-up sequence prepared

Thaifex – Anuga Asia 2026 is the most cost-efficient major food trade show in Asia for brands targeting ASEAN distribution. Its combination of accessible booth costs, Bangkok's excellent connectivity, and concentrated ASEAN buyer traffic make it an outstanding first step into the Southeast Asian food market — or a productive addition to a broader APAC trade show calendar.

Browse all halal trade show events in our global calendar, or explore the full exhibitor guide library for country-specific guides and trade show strategy resources.