The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), thru Thai Trade Center Manila, announced the success of the Think Rice Think Thailand booth at WOFEX 2022, the booth welcomed more than 500 visitors and generated more than 4.28 million USD sales in the expo, proofing a success and Thai rice popularity among Filipinos.
The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), the Department of Foreign Trade (DFT) under the Ministry of Commerce Thailand, participated in WOFEX 2022, from August 3-6, 2022 at booth 1048, SMX Convention Center, with the theme “Think Rice… Think Thailand” we serve the best quality rice to the world, aiming to promote Thai rice among consumers, strengthen bilateral trade between Thailand and the Philippines, and establish a comprehensive “Soft Power” strategic plan through Thai food in accordance with Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister, Jurin Laksanavisit.
During the event, there were a lot of activities and prosperous opportunities for businessmen and consumers to explore. The booth showcased high-quality rice and rice products from Thailand, in cooperation with four Filipino importers and distributors who import Thai rice including (1) North Pasadena Wholesaling Co., (2) Goldmine Rice Marketing, (3) Primavera Ricemill Corp, and (4) ECT Enterprises. These friendly importers offered affordable Thai rice and opportunities for consumers to experience its taste and smell. There was also an exhibition and showcase on Thai rice and its products, disseminating knowledge and information to Filipino consumers. Moreover, there were exciting food demonstration sessions from authentic, accredited Thai SELECT restaurants in Metro Manila, enabling people to indulge themselves with Thai food experiences using Thai rice as a main ingredient. Participating restaurants include (1) Azu Thai, showcasing Bagoong rice and mango sticky rice, (2) Thai BBQ Original Restaurant (Vertis North Branch), showcasing eggplant basil and green curry chicken with rice, (3) Nara Thai Cuisine, showcasing pineapple rice, and (4) Greyhound, showcasing fried rice with dried salted fish.
The exhibition showcasing Thai rice products and related information
Ms. Janthana Chotimunee, Director of the Thai Trade Center Manila revealed that “The success of this participation is unprecedented and overwhelming. The booth recorded 508 visitors, generating 4,286,251 USD of sales, consisting of 85,124 USD immediate order value at the event, and the anticipated order within one year of 4,201,127 USD. The satisfaction of the exhibitors and the visitors at the event are also high, with 100% of exhibitors are highly satisfied with the result. This reflects that this participation enables Thailand to expand its rice trade with the Philippines, and that Thai rice has entered into the Filipino consumers’ hearts”.
She also added that “This event will also be the first step to strengthen the collaboration between two countries in terms of trade and food security. The DITP also appreciates the fruitful cooperation of the Filipino importers and Thai SELECT restaurants participated in the event and reinforced Thailand image as a global hub for high-quality rice.”
“Furthermore, the activity can help Thailand to achieve its goal to utilize Thai food to establish soft power worldwide. We will ensure that we will build on this event’s success by organizing more productive activities next year. Those who are interested can follow our Facebook: Thai Trade Center Manila, if you have any inquiries or need assistance for finding right partners in Thailand, do not hesitate to send us an email at thaicommnl@ymail.com”
