The Thailand Retail, Food & Hospitality Services 2013 (TRAFS) show is about to return for the seventh time with a record number of exhibitors, products and brands.
Running from Thursday to Sunday at Bitec on Bang Na-Trat Road, this year's show will feature about 125 exhibitors from Thailand and more than 30 other countries. More than 300 brands will be represented with their latest products, equipment, and food and drink.
According to Kavin Kittiboonya, the managing director of the show's organiser Kavin Intertrade Co, about 29,000 visitors are expected during the four-day event.
Products on display will include items for hotel rooms (mattresses, bed sheets, linen, bathroom amenities), kitchens (ovens, chilling/freezing equipment, bakery items, ingredients and raw materials), dining rooms (tableware, wine and drinks, coffee/gelato machines), cleaning equipment and supplies and the newest IT software and hardware for hotel reservation and restaurant outlets.
New products include furniture, both in and outdoor, and LED digital displays which are getting more popular among hotels and restaurants.
"With more new hotels and restaurants, both chains and non-chains are being built to cope with rising demands," Kavin said. "Our objective, among other things, is to enable owners/decision-makers/buyers to make one stop and buy all necessary products under one roof."
Also included are two showcases - new technology for room reservations using iPhone, iPad or Android devices, and new software technology for restaurants. "Buyers can have a close look at products and see the actual demonstration by vendors before placing orders," Kavin said.
Besides the products displayed, TRAFS 2013 will feature plentiful activities, held in cooperation with almost 10 hotel-related associations. Last year's successful Master Class on food/bakery will be repeated with renowned chefs from Thailand Culinary Academy - eight trendy dishes will be taught and free recipes will be given away to class participants.
Seven hotelier competitions have also been arranged - five of which are chef and pastry chef competitions - namely Best Modern Thai Cuisine, Best Western Cuisine, Best Junior Chef, Cake Decoration, Plate Desserts, Fancy Duo Bartender and Bed Setting.
Winners from the five chef competitions will be chosen by the Thailand Culinary Academy to represent the country in international culinary competitions.
"We are proud that TRAFS has been chosen as one of the venues in recruiting potential Thai chefs for overseas competitions and bring back fame to the country," Kavin said. TRAFS 2013 is the venue where members of two associations, Front Office Managers and Concierge, will hold meetings to get updated industry information and share experiences in preparation for the high season in the last quarter.
Taking place under the same roof is the ninth Thailand Franchise & Business Opportunities (TFBO) show, the largest of its kind in Asean. With full occupancy, TFBO has more than 125 companies representing 150 franchise brands from Thailand and nine other countries.
Visitors are advised to pre-register online to save queuing when they arrive at Bitec.
TRAFS 2013 is supported by both the public and private sectors, including the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau, National Food Institute, Thai Chefs' Association, Thailand Culinary Academy, Thai Bakery Association, Thailand Food & Beverage management Thailand, Front Office Managers Alliance and Concierge.
The Thailand Retail, Food & Hospitality Services 2013 (TRAFS) show is on at Bitec on Bang Na-Trat Road from Thursday to Sunday, 10.30am to 7.30pm. Free admission. For more information, visit http://www.thailandhoreca.com or http://www.thailandfranchising.com or call 02-861-4013.
