Once again FIAAP, VICTAM & GRAPAS Asia proved that quality counts! This was the early verdict of visitors, conference delegates and exhibitors alike. The exhibitions and series of accompanying conferences were again held in the magnificent BITEC venue in Bangkok.
The visitors were pleased at the number of exhibitors, the wide range of products on display, especially the newly launched products and also the high quality of the exhibition stands and the professionalism of the show staff. There were 223 exhibitors and co-exhibitors, from 28 countries. The show was sold out again and even 11% larger than the 2014 show.
Likewise the exhibitors were very satisfied with the visitors. Exhibitors were able to have serious discussions and negotiations with their clients and new potential clients that they had met at the show. The exhibitors also commented on the very high quality of the visitors and the wide range of countries from which they came.
In all there were 6,374 visitors, an all-time high for this show. An increase of 5% from the 2014 show. A very high proportion of the visitors were from outside Thailand, in fact 40%. These figures clearly demonstrate that the event is now Asia’s international showcase for the feed and grain industries. A full post show report is expected in the next few months.
The conference delegates also confirmed the quality of the papers presented at the numerous conferences. The conferences had extensive programmes which were well received.
The conferences were as follows:
1. Aquafeed Horizons Asia
2. FIAAP Animal Nutrition Conference
3. Petfood Forum Asia
4. Global Milling Conference with GRAPAS Asia
5. Biomass Asia
6. GMP+ Feed Safety Assurance
The different conference organizers stated that the delegate attendance was good and that the delegates have appreciated the quality of both the speakers and their papers. The organizer of Aquafeed Horizons conference said it was fully sold out and there was only standing room available!
Victam International BV, the event organizers, also arranged the 2nd ASEAN Feed and Rice Symposium. Speakers from IFIF, ADM, the Thai department of Livestock Development and FAO addressed the audience of senior international executives from the ASEAN feed and rice industries. There were over 100 in the audience.
Once again the ASEAN Feed Summit, was organized and funded by the Victam Foundation and hosted by the Thai Feed Mill Association. Held in closed session and chaired by Mr.Pornsil Patchrintanakul, President of the Thai Feed Mill Association, and moderated by Ms. Alexandra de Athayde, IFIF Executive Director, brought together senior feed regulators and industry representatives from Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.
During the discussions a number of relevant issues were identified for further potential cooperation, including capacity development for feed safety, sustainability, efforts towards regulatory harmonization, and standards development to facilitate trade and production at regional and international level. A number of issues were identified for further potential co-operation, including capacity development for feed safety, efforts towards regulatory harmonization, as well as the need to work with all stakeholders on agri-food chain on common challenges.
Victam also celebrated its 25th Anniversary of holding events in Asia. On the first evening of the event a Celebration Dinner was held. The international audience of over 400 executives from our industry attended and were treated to a wonderful evening of both modern and traditional Thai entertainment. During the Celebration Dinner the winners of the coveted Innovation Awards were announced.
The winners were as follows:
1. Animal Feed Technology & Nutrition Award; sponsored/organized by AllAboutFeed was won by Huvepharma from Belgium
2. The Aquafeed Innovation Award; sponsored/organized by Aquafeed.com was won by Kemin Industries (Asia) Pte. Ltd. from Singapore.
3. The GRAPAS Award; sponsored/ organized by Milling and Grain magazine was won by Eye-Grain Apps from Denmark.
Also during this evening Victam’s General Manager – Henk Van de Bunt announced his retirement. Van de Bunt has been with the organization since the very first show in Bangkok in 1991 and during his time has seen the show grow over 600%. Henk leaves on the July 1st. He is a well-known and respected industry personality and he will be missed by all. Henk is however joining the Board of the Victam Foundation. He will be succeeded by Erik Heemskerk, who will start on June 1st.
The next FIAAP, VICTAM & GRAPAS event in Asia will be from 27 – 29 March 2018. A new event organized by Victam will take place in Cologne, Germany from 13 – 14 June in 2017. This is FIAAP, VICTAM & GRAPAS Conferences 2017 and it will be held at the KoelnMesse. This new event will be conference led and will be co-located with a small expo.
