The 7th Organic and Natural Expo (ONE 2017) opened its doors on July 28 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre in Bangkok with the participation of nearly 250 exhibitors.

They included Thai companies and those from other ASEAN countries such as Viet Nam, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar.

Hosted by the Thai Ministry of Commerce, ONE 2017 is the largest expo of organic and natural products in the region with more than 350 booths. It is showcasing rice, vegetables, fruits and processed food, as well as cosmetics, skin nourishing products, healthcare products and environmental conservation gadgets and products, along with services such as hotels, restaurants, spas and green shops.

“Today, people pay more attention to their health, and consumer awareness about the dangers of leftover chemicals is growing. So organic products are catching on among an increasing number of people,” said Nuntawan Sakuntanaga, director general of Department of Internal Trade, under the Thai commerce ministry.

“Organic products have become a global trend, and it is estimated that the world’s organic market will be worth up to US$80 billion in the future, growing by an average rate of 20 per cent a year,” she said.

The expo, which continues until July 30, aims to strengthen co-operation in organic agriculture movement among ASEAN countries and promote goods and services of the organic sector to become better known and recognised both at the domestic and international levels, the event’s organisers said.

The event also provides channels for producers, market operators of organic products, government and private agencies to establish business networks and extend market opportunities for ASEAN organic products in domestic and international markets while raising awareness among producers, market operators and government officials of the opportunities and trends within organic product businesses and the industry in domestic and international markets.

It is estimated that more than 45,000 visitors will attend the exhibition, with total sales value expected to be 32 million baht (nearly US$1 million).

Nguyen Thi Huyen, director of Viet Nam’s Vina Samex JSC, told Việt Nam News it is the first time her company is participating in ONE 2017. However, Huyen said she believed this event will be a good opportunity to introduce Vietnamese quality organic cinnamon and anise products to international customers and get updated with latest market trends and current demands of specific markets while seeking new customers.

Being optimistic about rising demand of organic cinnamon and anise products in the global market, Huyen forecasts her company’s export turnover of these products in 2017 will grow 10-15 per cent compared with the previous year.

Last year, exports of organic products accounted for 70 per cent of the company’s export value with major outlets including Germany, the United States, Italy and Russia, as well as Japan, South Korea, Singapore and Thailand. — VNS