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The best of Australian food and beverage (F&B) was on show at THAIFEX 2026, one of Asia’s premier F&B trade shows.
The event was an excellent platform for Australian exporters to connect with buyers, distributors and partners from Thailand and across Southeast Asia.
Austrade hosted 48 leading Australian food and beverage companies at the event. The program was developed in partnership with the Queensland Government, the New South Wales Government, the Government of South Australia, the Victorian Government and the Government of Western Australia, along with Meat & Livestock Australia and the Almond Board of Australia.
Bringing premium F&B to Thailand
The program put a spotlight on Australia’s strengths in premium, high-quality food and beverage offerings. It also reinforced government and industry commitment to supporting exporters as they expand into dynamic, fast-growing regional markets.
Through a packed agenda of networking events, company pitches and targeted business matching, the program enabled Australian business to make valuable commercial connections. Businesses were also able to gain deeper market insights, explore new opportunities and diversify growth strategies across Thailand and the broader region.
Importantly, the program also strengthened Australia-Thailand food trade ties by improving access to high-quality Australian products for Thai buyers, distributors and food service businesses.
Exporters find new opportunities
Austrade Southeast Asia General Manager Catherine Gallagher said THAIFEX had become an important meeting point for the regional food and beverage industry.
‘THAIFEX is becoming a regional showcase and an important meeting place for the industry,’ she says. ‘Australian exporters are telling us that they want to be here.’
As an important meeting point for Southeast Asia’s food and beverage industry, THAIFEX is a must-attend event for Australian exporters.
Small Things Wine founder Ian Batt said the event had helped the business engage new buyers and introduce its product to a new audience.
‘Australians do wine so well and we now have a new platform to bring a really innovative wine product to a whole new consumer base, thanks to THAIFEX.’
Batt says Austrade’s in-market support was particularly appreciated for smaller exporters navigating new markets and large trade events.
‘We’re a small company. We need the extra help. Having the partnership with Austrade to enter these markets and talk with buyers and distributors is valuable.’
Australian Country Choice Manager – Export Sales Alan Kropp says the company saw strong potential in Thailand and planned to deepen its engagement in the market.
‘I’ve seen a lot of activity, a lot of people there. I’ve seen a lot of interest. I feel that the Southeast Asian market, Thailand in particular, will be most active.’
Regional demand for premium F&B products
Southeast Asia continues to offer strong opportunities for Australian F&B exporters, driven by demand for premium, safe and reliable products across the region.
By leveraging in-market trade events such as THAIFEX, Austrade helps exporters raise their profile, test market interest and connect with many buyers, distributors and partners from across Southeast Asia.
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