PRESS RELEASE 1

HO CHI MINH CITY INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION OF FOOD & BEVERAGES IV – 2025 Minh (HCMC FOODEX 2025) Contributing to showcasing the dynamic development of Ho Chi Minh City’s food processing industry

HCMC, 19/03/2025

In the context of the modern economy, the food and beverage industry play an indispensable role in the national economy, especially in major urban areas like Ho Chi Minh City. The development of this industry not only helps to meet the increasing consumption demand of urban residents but also contributes significantly to GDP growth as well as enhancing Vietnam’s position in the international market.

Vietnamese food and beverage products are not only catered to the domestic market but also exported to many countries worldwide, particularly to demanding markets like the United States, Japan, and Europe. This demonstrates the competitive capacity and great potential of the industry, as Vietnamese food and beverage products are increasingly preferred due to their high quality and reasonable prices.

One important factor that aids the food and beverage industry is the adoption of new and modern technologies in the production process, thereby improving product quality and operational efficiency. Notably, green production and digital technology adoption are becoming dominant trends, aiming to promote sustainable production models, save resources, and be environmentally friendly.

Ho Chi Minh City, as the economic hub of the country, has been implementing numerous policies and strategies to robustly develop the food processing sector. Decision No. 4700/QD-UBND dated October 23, 2024, on approving the development strategy for the food processing industry in Ho Chi Minh City to 2030, with a vision to 2050, is clear evidence of the city’s interest and investment in this industry.

This strategy aims, by 2050, to focus on developing key products with the criteria of food safety, green standards, traceability, and sustainability. Furthermore, the strategy also aims to diversify products, adapt to changes in consumer behavior, build and develop brands, as well as diversify domestic and international consumption markets.

Mr. Tran Phu Lu, Director of Ho Chi Minh City Investment and Trade Promotion Center (ITPC), stated: “Following the city’s directives, ITPC continuously expands activities supporting enterprises in the food and beverage sector. Among these, HCMC FOODEX stands out, marking significant advancements in ITPC’s efforts to elevate Ho Chi Minh City’s food and beverage industry.”

Additionally, organizing trade connection events and showcasing products from the food and beverage sector creates favorable conditions for domestic enterprises to introduce and promote their products to international partners, thereby expanding markets and enhancing export capacity.

However, to maintain sustainable development and improve its position in the international market, Vietnam’s food and beverage industry needs continuous innovation and adherence to international standards like Halal certification, to meet the demands of Muslim markets as well as new consumption trends such as clean, organic, and eco-friendly foods.

Another notable point is the use of information technology in product promotion and e-commerce. The combination of technology, big data, and artificial intelligence on e-commerce platforms not only helps businesses reach customers faster but also improves operational efficiency, providing opportunities for businesses to deeply participate in the global supply chain.

Overall, Vietnam’s food and beverage industry is on a strong development trajectory with promising prospects, as businesses increasingly focus on quality, technology, and environmental protection, along with active support from local authorities.

With pride in showcasing Vietnam’s diverse, abundant, high-quality, and reasonably priced food and beverage products, particularly from Ho Chi Minh City to domestic and international partners, the organizing committee of the 4th Ho Chi Minh City International Food and Beverage Exhibition 2025 – HCMC FOODEX 2025 officially announces that the event will take place from April 16 to April 19, 2025, at the Saigon Exhibition & Convention Center (SECC), District 7, Ho Chi Minh City.

Raising the quality and efficiency of international trade programs HCMC FOODEX 2025, themed “Natural Products – Green – Sustainable,” has so far gathered over 350 exhibitors showcasing agricultural products, deeply processed products, spices, food additives, beverages, machinery, and related fields within the food and beverage industry from South Korea, Japan, China, Malaysia, and the host country, Vietnam. Additionally, more than 100 buyers from 15 countries have confirmed their participation and trade connections at the exhibition. A highlight this year is the participation of buyers from Horeca channels (Hotels – Restaurants – Catering Services). Over four working days, the exhibition will set up over 1,000 scheduled meetings. Each connection is arranged based on the business needs of the units, ensuring suitability and maximizing business results.

Trade Connection Program: Throughout the exhibition days, meetings and work sessions between businesses and leading distributors in Vietnam and internationally (e.g., AEON, Lotte, Central Retail, SATRA, Saigon CORP) will take place.

This is an unmissable opportunity for manufacturers, distributors, investors, and consumers to discover new trends in the food and beverage industry, seek business opportunities, and expand domestic and international networks.

Major names in the food and beverage sector present at HCMC FOODEX 2025 HCMC FOODEX 2025 marks the presence of numerous major businesses in the industry, from reputable food brands like Cholimex Food JSC, Saigon Agricultural Corporation, Saigon Trade Corporation, Binh Tay Food JSC, Hai Nam Trading and Production Co., Ltd., Sa Ky Food JSC, International Flour Joint Venture Company, Nosafood Corporation JSC, Long Son JSC, Bao Hung International JSC, Ba Vi Dairy JSC, SASCO, Good Day Hospitality Corporation, and more.

Not only gathering major names in the food industry, HCMC FOODEX 2025 welcomes many first-time participants, bringing breakthrough solutions in equipment, materials, packaging, and processing technologies. This year’s event features companies like Tan Phuong Vinh Packaging Printing & Packaging Co., Ltd., Hung Du Co., Ltd. (packaging sector); New Era Cold Storage JSC (modern storage services); M.V Alliance Co., Ltd. (barcode ink ribbon solutions from Kurz, Germany); and Southern Star Trade Investment Production Corporation with innovative solutions in wastewater treatment and environmental protection.

Program Highlight – MASTER CHEF OF FOODEX 2025 Competition Under the theme “Vietnamese Culinary Essence,” the Master Chef of Foodex 2025 competition will bring together renowned chefs and professional judges from various countries such as Vietnam, India, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and the USA. With diverse competition categories spanning the four exhibition days, the contest not only serves as a playground to showcase talent but also honors creativity and top-tier cooking techniques. The competition highlights the traditional and modern values of Vietnamese cuisine, offering unique and memorable experiences. It is also an opportunity to connect culinary enthusiasts, professionals, and businesses in the industry, fostering collaboration and growth in the culinary and food sectors.

HCMC FOODEX 2025 exhibition proudly receives support from strategic partners sponsoring the program: Tan Nhat Huong – Gold Sponsor, along with Charles Wembley, Binh Tay, Minh Long sponsors.

During HCMC FOODEX 2025, the organizing committee, in collaboration with industry associations, specialized organizations, domestic and international businesses, will organize a series of activities including:

• Specialized Workshops: Planned topics related to the food and beverage sector with the participation of representatives from management agencies, industry associations, domestic and international businesses.
• Trade Connection Program: Throughout the exhibition days, meetings and work sessions will be held between businesses and top distributors in Vietnam and internationally.
• Interspersed Activities by the Organizing Committee and Businesses: Factory visits, technology demonstrations, product showcases, and more.

This year’s exhibition will focus on introducing clean, organic, eco-friendly products, raising awareness about a healthy and sustainable lifestyle. Particularly, HCMC FOODEX 2025 will showcase initiatives and advanced technological solutions applied in food production and supply chains.

The HCMC FOODEX 2025 organizing committee warmly invites media agencies to accompany the event to update the latest information and share outstanding activities of the exhibition with the public.

For detailed information and registration, please visit the official exhibition website at www.hcmcfoodex.com or the Facebook account: www.facebook.com/hcmcfoodex..

Organizing Unit: Ho Chi Minh City Investment and Trade Promotion Center – Trade Promotion Department Address: No. 51, Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Da Kao Ward, District 1, HCMC. Contact Person: Ms. Kim Oanh (0934 626 039 – oanhttk@itpc.gov.vn)

Executing Unit: C.I.S Vietnam Advertising & Exhibition JSC Address: No. 112-A3, Dam Trau Street, Bach Dang Ward, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi Contact Person: Ms. Quynh Huong (0913 056 968 – huongnq@cisvietnam.com.vn)

The organizing committee respectfully announces and looks forward to welcoming you to HCMC FOODEX 2025 – the convergence of the quintessence and excellence of the food and beverage industry.