The 26th International Exhibition on Food & Beverage and Food Processing, Packaging Technology & Equipment opened on Thursday at the Sai Gon Exhibition and Convention Centre in District 7.

Vietfood & Beverage – Propack 2022 has attracted 350 exhibitors from 18 countries and territories, who are showcasing products, equipment and technology for the food and beverage industry and for food packaging and processing.

There are national pavilions from India, Poland, South Korea, Russia, Singapore, Japan, and Indonesia.

The event also features a series of seminars and business matching programmes on development prospects of the agricultural products intertrade between Viet Nam and Russia, development of Russian grain products trade in Vietnamese market, and the hotel, restaurant and catering sector in Viet Nam.

Vietfood & Beverage – Propack, a trade promotion event for the food and beverage industry, is held annually in Ha Noi and HCM City, Nguyen Van Nga, general director of the Ministry of Industry and Trade’s Agency for Southern Affairs, said at the inaugural ceremony.

It serves as a platform for Vietnamese and foreign businesses to expand their market, promote exports and enhance co-operation with other businesses, she added.

Ly Kim Chi, chairwoman of the HCM City Food and Foodstuff Association, said food safety and the origin of products are the biggest concerns for consumers.

More and more local businesses are taking advantage of technology and specialised equipment to make high-quality products, Chi said.

The expo is a great opportunity for local businesses to access advanced technology and exchange know-how with international players, she added.

The event, organised by Vinexad JSC, the Viet Nam Association of Liquor, Beer and Beverage, and the HCM City Food and Foodstuff Association, runs until Saturday. —VNS