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Editorial note: Market figures cited in this article are estimates based on publicly available industry reports and may vary by source. HalalExpo.com aims to present the most current data available but readers should verify figures for business decisions. Sources include the State of the Global Islamic Economy Report, DinarStandard, and national halal authority publications.
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.
Thaifex is particularly valuable for:
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 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.
| 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.
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.
BITEC has 12 exhibition halls. Thaifex – Anuga Asia uses the full complex plus outdoor areas. Category zones:
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.
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.
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.
Cross-check your certifier's recognition across ASEAN markets in our global halal certifier directory.
| 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.
| 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.
All dates are estimates based on historical Thaifex scheduling. Confirm exact deadlines at the official Thaifex – Anuga Asia website.
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.
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