Thaifex-Horec Asia 2025: Thailand’s HoReCa Sector Targets 4 Billion Baht Boom
Bangkok—Despite global economic headwinds, Thailand’s hotel, restaurant, and cafe/catering (HoReCa) sector is experiencing a surge, fueled by a resurgence in tourism and the country’s established reputation as a culinary paradise. This positive momentum is palpable at Thaifex-Horec Asia 2025, held at Impact Muang Thong Thani, where organizers have set an ambitious revenue target of 4 billion baht.
Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan expressed optimism, projecting that this year’s revenue will surpass last year’s 3.6 billion baht. This anticipated growth is attributed to the robust recovery of the tourism and hospitality sectors following the global pandemic. Thailand’s enduring allure as a global tourist hotspot further bolsters this positive trajectory, creating fertile ground for HoReCa industry growth. Now in its second year, the event serves as a vital nexus, connecting key players across the entire HoReCa supply chain, from food producers and equipment manufacturers to service providers and hospitality professionals.
Visit Limlurcha, Vice Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, echoed the Minister’s positive outlook. He noted that despite a general global economic slowdown, Thailand’s HoReCa sector continues to outperform expectations, driven by a steady influx of international visitors. Mr. Limlurcha highlighted Thailand’s strengths as a significant production hub for agricultural products and processed foods. The nation’s abundant food resources, he argued, strategically position it to become the epicenter of the Asian HoReCa market, fostering growth and innovation across the region’s hotel, restaurant, and cafe sectors.
However, Mr. Limlurcha also acknowledged concerns. He pointed to the potential impact of trade tensions, particularly citing tariffs imposed by the then-US President Donald Trump’s administration, as a source of uncertainty in global stock markets. This uncertainty, he cautioned, could potentially dampen global consumer spending and tourism, indirectly affecting the HoReCa sector.
Thaifex-Horec Asia 2025, running from March 5th to 7th, showcased the industry’s dynamism and innovation. The event featured over 460 companies from 25 countries, offering a comprehensive display of new products, cutting-edge technologies, and emerging trends. The exhibition spanned nine diverse categories: bakery and ice cream; cafe and bar; cleaning and laundry; dining; furnishing; kitchen; services; technology; and wellness, further enhanced by a dedicated HoReCa food zone.
Beyond the exhibition, attendees participated in engaging activities. These included the ASEAN Barista Team Championship, showcasing coffee-making artistry; the Thailand Ultimate Housekeeping Challenge, highlighting hospitality excellence; and the Thaifex-Horec Xperiential Zone, offering a glimpse into future industry trends. The Asian Pizza Show Academy and the Thaifex-Horec Academy, featuring expert-led seminars, workshops, live cooking demonstrations, and interactive sessions, provided valuable professional development and knowledge-sharing opportunities throughout the three-day event. Thaifex-Horec Asia 2025 not only celebrated the current vibrancy of the HoReCa sector but also painted a picture of its exciting future, with Thailand poised to play a leading role regionally and globally.
