VIV Asia 2023 concluded successfully as a robust platform for B2B international business
Over three days, the show facilitated face-to-face interactions, networking, knowledge-sharing, and a lively marketplace at Bangkok, Thailand. With 47,527 visitors from 112 countries, the event maintained its stable attendance and even slightly exceeded the previous edition. Despite the global circumstances and the past three long years of Covid-19 restrictions, the show's international appeal for the Feed to Food industry remained evident, confirming its significance as a World Expo.
The event featured more than 1,186 exhibitors from 57 countries, representing five continents, showcasing the latest developments in their respective sectors in the three Challenger halls at Thailand’s mega-venue IMPACT, in a collective of more than 31,544 sq m exhibiting space.
In addition, the co-location with Meat Pro Asia, the premier trade platform for processing and packaging solution in the meat industry took place under one roof. The animal protein sector responded positively to this powerful co-location, resulting in high attendance.
“VIV Asia is the first VIV show in 2023 and it represents – and rightfully so – our goal to connect the markets, and enhance industry trade both locally and globally,” stated Birgit Horn, managing director of VIV Worldwide, during the event.
Richard Li, executive director, Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd. added, “It’s always pleasing when a new trade fair is warmly received, and this was certainly the case with this first edition of Meat Pro Asia. More importantly, however, it was encouraging to see a high number of energetic business discussions taking place throughout the fairground. From the feedback we’ve received, it’s clear that holding these two fairs concurrently is popular among buyers and exhibitors alike – it consolidates so many resources together in one place. I think everybody will conclude that Meat Pro Asia is a valuable new addition to the trade fair calendar in southeast Asia.”
A global feed and food system reimagined
This year's innovations spanned a wide range of topics, including safe and effective farming automation tools, ingenious medical and medicinal products, and efficient broiler house control systems. Other exciting innovation-related events included a regional seminar on innovations in Good Farming led by the Federation of Asian Veterinary Association, as well as a seminar presented by Tony Hunter of Future Cubed on new technologies for a future sustainable and equitable global food system.
“We need to reimagine the food system using the new technology. The industry needs to think about this issue as they are in the business of supplying food. VIV Asia and Meat Pro Asia is a really great place to gather new information on this new and important topic. I am very impressed with the show," commented Hunter.
Knowledge-stacked programmes were a major highlight at the event. With more than 120 sessions spread over four days, attendees could gain an all-round understanding on industry insights, technologies and best practices. The day before the show, the Aquatic Asia Conference, organised by International Aquafeed of Perendale Publications and VIV, featured a variety of industry experts with captivating presentations on the latest in fish and shrimp nutrition.
On the first day of the show, the Asian Inspiration brought together key speakers that discussed the latest on local and sustainable farming based on the Netherlands model. Most of the sessions were fully booked with very few possibilities of walk-ins finding availability – a fact that showed how important are the sessions presented during VIV Asia to an audience that is keen on learning and following the industry trends.
Looking ahead, VIV Asia will return 12-14 March 2025, carrying on the tradition of providing a premier platform for the animal protein industry to connect, learn, and innovate. VIV Asia will undoubtedly be another landmark event in the VIV series of events around the world, with a strong commitment to delivering a top-quality trade show and knowledge programmes.
A full report will be published in the next issue of Far Eastern Agriculture available mid May.
