The bustling city of Tokyo witnessed a culinary conquest at the FOODEX Japan 2025, where the Ministry of Commerce pulled off an impressive feat, facilitating Thai food exports worth over 2 billion baht. The secret sauce? A splendid showcase of Thailand’s rich culinary heritage and product diversity, crafted under the orchestration of Sunanta Kangvalkulkij, the esteemed Director General of the Department of International Trade Promotion. With the collaboration of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Office of Commercial Affairs in Tokyo, this foodie jamboree transformed into a gateway for 59 Thai enterprises to dazzle the global market.
Set against the vibrant backdrop of Tokyo Big Sight from March 11 to 14, the Thailand Pavilion embodied the visionary policy of Commerce Minister Phichai Naripthaphan. The pavilion was a gastronomic wonderland aimed at transferring the delights of Thai cuisine and fruit to a global stage, resulting in a cash cow of business negotiations and transactions summing up to an eye-watering 2.049 billion baht.
The culinary magic spotlighted sizzling stars such as ready-to-cook meal sets, mouth-watering dried fruits, ready-to-eat curries, and a tantalizing assortment of frozen seafood. But the glitter didn’t stop there; the pavilion buzzed with dynamic activities that burnished the image of Thai fruits and foods, including an electrifying cooking spectacle of tom yum kung, a dish so legendary that UNESCO has enshrined it as a world heritage culinary delight.
As the eager crowds thronged the pavilion, the spotlight turned to Thai products bearing the hope-inspiring Thai Select certification. Crowning the event was a riveting Blind Test showcasing delectable Thai bananas, enchanting both food critics and influencers alike. With these influencers crafting enticing content, visitor engagement soared like never before — a heartening wave of interest swept through the venue in Tokyo.
An exciting turn of events saw fruitful discussions with preeminent importers in Japan, geared towards amplifying the presence of fresh Thai fruits within the market. Among these flavorful pursuits was the adventurous endeavor to introduce the beloved, albeit notorious, Thai durian to discerning Japanese palates. With oodles of support from the Office of Commercial Affairs, local department stores were poised to roll out impactful promotion campaigns, bringing these exotic fruits into the Japanese limelight.
The allure of Thai food and beverages continues to hold its sway, cutting through the competitive noise with its unparalleled quality, vibrancy, and inventive presence, capturing the hearts of global importers. FOODEX witnessed a fresh wave as the new faces in the exporting arena successfully inked lucrative deals while seasoned participants reveled in their triumphs.
Marking its golden jubilee with pomp, FOODEX Japan 2025 stands as the longest-running international food and beverage exhibition in Japan. This year’s spectacle saw a stupendous turnout of over 3,000 exhibitors from a whopping 70 countries, drawing in a bustling assembly of more than 72,000 attendees entrenched in the industry.
The event has not just set the stage for sumptuous triumphs but also a foodie bonanza with mouth-watering opportunities sprouting for Thai exporters in Japan. As the culinary odyssey continues, the department remains spirited in its commitment, poised to concoct similar adventures that tickle the taste buds of the world.
In a world where the competition is fierce, and opportunities are ripe for those who dare to cook up innovation, the saga of Thai food exports at FOODEX Japan 2025 is an exhilarating chapter of flavor, strategy, and a delicious dose of success.
I’m so proud of Thailand showing its culinary prowess at FOODEX Japan! Thai food has such a unique and flavorful identity.
But isn’t the real challenge converting Japanese palates which are very particular? Thai food might be too bold for them.
Bold flavors are an opportunity, not a hindrance! Japanese food culture appreciates variety and creativity, so Thai food fits right in.
This just sounds like a huge marketing gimmick. Over 2 billion baht from a food expo? Come on, that’s just promotional fluff.
Imagine underestimating the power of a good food exhibition. It’s about forging partnerships, not just transactions.
True, partnerships matter, but it’s easy to inflate numbers when there are few ways to verify them.
I was at FOODEX and saw those deals being made. It’s not fluff—it’s networking stats!
Tokyo Big Sight must have been amazing! Wish I was there to see the Thai Select products.
The real unsung hero here is the Thai durian. Japanese aren’t too fond of it, but it’s an acquired taste!
I totally agree! Durian fright might just be in our minds—open up and taste!
We should consider the cultural implications of such export actions. Engaging Japan’s market with Thai products extends beyond mere commerce.
True, cultural exchange is key, but let’s not overlook the fact that this is primarily about profit.
Profit is integral, but in the long-term cultural ties can redefine economic landscapes.
That Blind Test with bananas was clever. Manga lovers in Japan are big on surprising tastes!
Curious how the Department of International Trade Promotion ensures quality with rising exports. Are they overstretching Thai resources?
Thailand has robust agriculture and trade frameworks to support these initiatives.
Great to see the strategies paying off! But isn’t the environmental impact of such scale of exports concerning?
Thai frozen seafood at FOODEX hints at untapped opportunities. Yet, sustainability concerns should still surface amidst these wins.
Exactly, we should be mindful of the environmental footprint. Balance is key to any success story.
Pleased to learn Thai enterprises are making their mark! A victory for Southeast Asia!
Pomp at these events is inevitable. But let’s hope this isn’t short-lived hype with no substance.
Don’t you think this could expand interests in other Thai sectors beyond just food?
Absolutely! Culture-driven tourism, art, and tech could gain traction if marketed well!
This scale seems too optimistic. Did they factor in competition from other countries also showcasing their goods?
Thailand’s doing splendid with this exposure at FOODEX. But keeping momentum post-exhibition is crucial.
After the show is when the true work begins. Follow-ups are everything!