UBM Asia organised a press conference in HCM City on April 21 to introduce its 2016 Food Ingredients Vietnam exhibition to be held at the Sai Gon Exhibition and Convention Centre from May 18 to 20. — VNS Photo

HCM CITY (Biz Hub) — Some 150 companies from 12 countries will participate in the 2016 Food Ingredients Vietnam expo to be held in HCM City from May 18 to 20.

Fi Vietnam is dedicated to food and beverage ingredients to meet the needs of food and beverage ingredients professionals at all levels of the supply chain, Rungphech Chitanuwat, business director of UBM Asia, the organiser, said .

Speaking about the new features of the exhibition, she said: "There will be business networking taking place during the event. UBM expects to have more than 500 matches through our new feature this year."

The expo would also feature conferences and seminars on development, innovation and marketing in the food and beverages sector, she said.

Ly Kim Chi, chairwoman of the Food and Foodstuff Association of HCM City, said the food and beverages sector has enjoyed strong growth in the country in recent years, with consumption topping US$40 billion last year.

But domestic food producers spend billions of dollars on importing ingredients since the domestic market is either unable to produce them or ensure consistent quality, she said.

Chitanuwat said the Vietnamese food and beverages sector's need to cater not only for domestic consumption but also exports is the key reason for manufacturers to look for the right ingredients and innovate their food and beverage products.

To be held at the Sai Gon Exhibition and Convention Centre, the expo is expected to attract more than 4,500 food and beverages industry professionals from many countries. — VNS