First ever Meat Pro Asia attracts 8,894 trade visitors

Despite being a new player in the industry, the fair was lauded for attracting top-quality participants, with exhibitors in particular noting the high calibre of buyers and the clear potential for the fair to grow at future editions, said organiser Messe Frankfurt in a press release. Taking place in co-location with VIV Asia, the most influential event for feed to food in the region, the two fairs drew a combined total of 47,527 visitors.

“Even before the fair opened, we were confident that co-locating Meat Pro Asia with VIV Asia, the region's largest trade fair for the protein production supply chain, would be a winning formula," shares Mr Jack Wong, Deputy General Manager, Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd. "We are pleased that our expectations were met, as decision-makers and major processing and packaging buyers from the region turned out in great numbers. Exhibitors have also provided positive feedback, validating our decision to launch this new event in Bangkok with an exclusive focus on processing and packaging. Overall, the response has been very encouraging; we have set a solid foundation to grow the fair from strength to strength at future editions."

The positive sentiment also extended to the successful first-time collaboration between Messe Frankfurt and VNU Group, organisers of IFFA and VIV Asia respectively - two of the largest food processing and production trade fairs in the world. “Both parties bring complementary strengths to Meat Pro Asia, including a wide network of industry contacts, and this was borne out through the quality of exhibitors at this first edition,” notes Ms Panadda Kongma, Director of Agribusiness and Operations, VNU Asia Pacific. “While we expect the scale of the fair to increase at future editions, the quality of participants is already without question, and this was reflected in the positive response from buyers.”

"After speaking with our exhibitors, it is clear that they are satisfied with the event and many are eager to return with larger exhibits next time,” adds Mr Supanat Treeratpichan, Project Manager of Meat Pro Asia, VNU Asia Pacific. “Additionally, we’ve received interest from many new companies in the industry who want to participate in the next edition. This is a great start for Meat Pro Asia, and we look forward to its continued growth and success."

Overseas exhibitors in particular were well represented, with major brands from 21 countries and regions using the fair to reach local buyers. In addition, the inaugural Meat Pro Asia conference programme focused on the future of meat consumption: from sustainability and plant-based meat alternatives, to smart factories and waste reduction.

The next edition will take place from 12 – 14 March 2025 in co-location with VIV Asia.