Bangkok trade show draws more than 21,000 industry professionals as hotels, restaurants, and suppliers connect on new technologies, products, and regional opportunities.
As the Philippines’ tourism and hospitality industries continue to grow, Filipino hospitality operators joined thousands of industry professionals in Thailand last week to explore new suppliers, technologies, and food concepts at THAIFEX – HOREC Asia 2026, a regional trade show for hotels, restaurants, cafés, and catering businesses.
At least 39 buyers from the Philippines attended the event, representing hotels, resort operators, and food service companies seeking new partnerships and ideas for their operations.
The Philippine delegation joined thousands of buyers and suppliers from across Asia as the trade show positioned itself as a major regional platform for the HoReCa sector—an industry shorthand for hotels, restaurants, and catering businesses.
Among the Philippine companies present were representatives from The Manila Hotel, New World Makati Hotel, and Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu Resort, along with hospitality groups such as Discovery World Corporation and Robinsons Resorts and Hotels. Buyers also included participants from John Hay Hotels and Loreland Farm Resort.
A regional platform for hospitality trade
Organizers said the three-day event drew 21,305 trade visitors from 70 countries and regions, with 664 exhibitors representing 35 countries and regions showcasing products and services for the hospitality industry.
The exhibition was held on March 11 to 13 at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, one of Thailand’s largest convention and exhibition venues.
According to Wendy Lim, general manager of Koelnmesse Pte Ltd, the event aims to bring together hospitality professionals across the region to explore new technologies and build partnerships.
“THAIFEX – HOREC Asia brings together buyers, suppliers, and hospitality leaders from across the region,” Lim said. “It provides a platform for industry players to explore innovations, exchange ideas, and develop partnerships that support the sector’s continued growth.”
The show floor featured exhibitors ranging from commercial kitchen equipment manufacturers and food suppliers to technology companies offering solutions for hotels, restaurants, and cafés.
Trends shaping the hospitality sector
Several trends were visible across the exhibition halls as hospitality operators look for ways to improve efficiency and adapt to changing consumer preferences.
Many exhibitors highlighted energy-efficient kitchen equipment, waste reduction systems, and sustainable materials, reflecting the growing focus on environmentally responsible operations in the hospitality sector.
Technology also featured prominently, with demonstrations of automated cooking equipment, digital ordering platforms, and smart kitchen systems designed to help restaurants streamline operations and manage labor demands.
Other booths showcased products and ingredients targeted at the café and casual dining market, including specialty beverages, dessert concepts, and equipment designed for small and medium food businesses.
According to Sven Schaefer, project director at Koelnmesse, the event reflects how hospitality businesses across Asia are adapting to a rapidly evolving market.
“Hospitality businesses are constantly searching for new concepts, technologies, and partnerships,” Schaefer said. “Trade platforms like THAIFEX – HOREC Asia allow the industry to come together and explore solutions that address both operational challenges and emerging consumer trends.”
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Strong international participation
In addition to product showcases, the event hosted competitions, workshops, and experiential zones aimed at highlighting innovation in the food service industry.
One of the highlights was the ASEAN Coffee Roasting Championship, where participants from several countries competed using beans sourced from across Southeast Asia.
Another attraction was SCOOP 500, a showcase featuring more than 500 ice cream flavors from dessert brands and specialty producers, offering inspiration for café operators and food entrepreneurs experimenting with new menu ideas.
According to Mathias Kuepper, managing director and regional president for Asia-Pacific at Koelnmesse, regional trade events are becoming increasingly important as the hospitality industry grows more interconnected.
“The hospitality and food service industries across Asia continue to expand and innovate,” Kuepper said. “Events like THAIFEX – HOREC Asia create opportunities for businesses to discover new partners, exchange knowledge, and develop ideas that support long-term growth.”
The trade fair wrapped up in Bangkok, with organizers highlighting strong international participation and the level of engagement between buyers and exhibitors. The event generated new procurement opportunities and partnerships across hospitality, food service, and café sectors throughout Asia.
Filipino hospitality operators joined thousands of industry professionals at THAIFEX HOREC Asia 2026 in Bangkok, where more than 21,000 visitors and hundreds of exhibitors gathered to explore new suppliers, technologies, and partnerships shaping the region’s hotel, restaurant, and café sectors.
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