BANGKOK: Thailand is aiming to position itself as the “future food hub of the world,” shifting beyond its long-established identity as the “Kitchen of the World” with a stronger focus on sustainability, biotechnology and food security.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the nation – already one of the world’s leading food exporters – is seeking to expand its role from agricultural production into advanced food innovation and sustainable food systems.
Advertisement
.gif)
“Thailand has long been recognized as the kitchen of the world, but today we are moving beyond that vision.
“We’re building the future food hub of the world where food innovation, sustainability, health and reliability come together,” he said during the THAIFEX Anuga Asia 2026 opening ceremony last Wednesday.
He said the global food industry is undergoing rapid transformation, and that food now carries strategic importance far beyond commerce.
“Food is security, food is stability and increasingly food is a matter of global strategic importance,” he added.
He emphasised the importance of international events such as THAIFEX Anuga Asia, as they are platforms where governments, businesses, innovators, researchers, farmers and entrepreneurs can gather to exchange ideas, form partnerships while collectively shaping the future of food
To modernise and strengthen the food industry, Anutin added that the government has made investments in smart agriculture, biotechnology, functional foods, alternative proteins, sustainable production, clean energy adoption and digital transformation throughout the food supply chain.
“These policies align with Thailand’s Bio-Circular-Green Economy model, which seeks to achieve sustainable economic growth while protecting both people and the environment,” he explained, while also stressing that Thailand is fully prepared to serve as a reliable partner in global and regional food security.
In the previous year alone, he highlighted that Thailand’s food exports exceeded 38 billion US dollars, reinforcing the country’s status as one of the world’s leading food exporters and a major contributor to global food security.
“This achievement is only possible with strong infrastructure, dynamic business networks and solid government support, all of which enable the country to function as a major international trade and business hub,” he said.
Additionally, Anutin explained that food is deeply embedded in Thai culture, lifestyle and hospitality, believing that this national passion for food is one of the key reasons Thailand has gained the trust of consumers and business partners worldwide.
This year’s edition focuses strongly on innovation, sourcing, and market direction, featuring events such as the Future Food Experience+ which highlights supply chain sustainability, AI-driven food production and new retail formats.
Meanwhile, the Taste Innovation Show presents the finalists and winners of the exhibition’s most innovative products.
“I am confident that the partnerships and conversations initiated during the exhibition will create new opportunities for everyone involved,” he added, while hoping that the discussions and collaborations formed during THAIFEX Anuga Asia 2026 will lead to innovative ideas, stronger partnerships, and practical solutions for the future of global food systems.
Anutin also expressed appreciation to the event’s co-organisers – the Department of International Trade Promotion, the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Koelnmesse for the success of the exhibition.
