The 2016 Vietfood and Beverage and ProPack marks its 20th anniversary with an ever largest scaled event. — File Photo

HCM CITY (Biz Hub) – The Vietfood and Beverage-ProPack international exhibition will take place at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre in HCM City next week.

After 19 exhibitions, witnessing significant and rapid changes in the market, and from the initial purpose of serving the basic needs of consumers, the food and beverage industry has now become a sector with considerable market share. It accounts for 15 per cent of GDP, and it will continue to grow. The 2016 Vietfood and Beverage and ProPack, held between August 10 and 13, marks its 20th anniversary with an ever largest scaled event.

To date, the organising committee has received registration from 425 companies from 21 countries and territories, such as Poland, Germany, South Korea, and Malaysia, apart from Thailand, China, and Viet Nam, among others. The exhibition is expected to accommodate 500 booths, an equivalent of 9000 sq.m, divided into large pavilions.

In Viet Nam, the food and beverage processing industry has great potentials. Being a tropical agricultural country, Viet Nam has abundant and diverse resources, which are the vital inputs for the processing industry. Given Viet Nam's rapid development, increased income, and changes in lifestyle, particularly in the cities, the demand for snacks and expensive convenience food is also on the rise.

Additionally, the large domestic market, low labour costs and the equitisation process of food companies makes this sector full of vitality. As such, other relevant areas, such as processing, packaging, storage, machinery or production line, also have the opportunity to grow hand-in-hand. – VNS