The products that attract most international buyers are frozen food, fresh fruit and vegetables, and ready-to-eat food.

Total exports in the food sector were $2.07 billion, an increase of 12.3 per cent, in the first quarter. Last year, export growth for food was 12.6 per cent, to $8.46 billion.

The exhibition, at Challenger Hall, Muang Thong Thani, runs until Sunday. More than 1,800 exhibitors from more than 1,000 international companies are taking part.

Preecha Laohapongchana, caretaker deputy commerce minister, said yesterday the fair would generate more than Bt1 billion in income. Thaifex is eighth on the list of the world's biggest food fairs, and Thailand is the fifth top supplier of food to the world.

Under the "Kitchen to the World" project, which aims for world recognition of Thai food products, Thai food has become increasingly popular overseas.

Surasak Riengkrul, commercial counsellor in New York, said the popularity of Thai food had drawn about 200 visitors from the United States. The office has tried to increase awareness among US consumers by promoting Thai food through famous publications such as the New York Times and Life magazine.

Krisada Piampongsant, commercial counsellor in Brussels, said the government would this year increase the export potential of certain food products, particularly frozen shrimp.

Thailand dropped to 24th last year for frozen shrimp exports after import cuts by the European Union. "We will try to increase exports and regain our former position as the top export country for frozen shrimp within the next few years," he said.

The main rivals to Thai shrimp exports are Vietnam, China and Bangladesh.

Krisada also suggested that frozen-shrimp exporters should increase their variety of shrimp because the EU market not only demands white shrimp, but also black tiger shrimp and larger shrimp.

Wichchakorn Chandrasiri, director of the Thai Trade Centre in Copenhagen, said Thai food was well established in Scandinavia. The centre targets export growth of 20 per cent.

Products with potential are canned and processed seafood, and seasoning. Denmark has almost 100 Thai restaurants, and this will increase because of the popularity of Thai food, he said.

The commercial counsellor in Tehran, Nopadol Thongmee, said 32 Iranian visitors were attending Thaifex, aiming to create a network for Thai food products.

A leading Iranian dairy manufacturer and distributor is seeking products to import.

The company aims to establish a distribution centre for Thai food in Iran and will import snacks, canned food, fruit juice and processed food.

Matyawongse Amatyakul, director of the Thai Trade Centre in Burma, said the biggest superstore chain in Burma was also participating in the fair. Sixteen visitors are attending from Burma, seeking out food to import.

"Seafood producers have taken part and this will be a great opportunity for the Thai food industry to find new sources of raw materials," he said.

Petchenet Pratruangkrai

The Nation