BANGKOK — Sustainability took center stage at Thaifex-Horec Asia 2026, the region’s biggest trade show for the hospitality, food service and restaurant industries held at the Impact Challenger trade halls in Bangkok from March 11-13.
Speaking at the opening ceremony that was attended by dignitaries and local and international media, including The Manila Times, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnivirakul said that Thaifex-Horec Asia serves as “an international trade platform that enables entrepreneurs, investors and buyers from across the globe to connect, exchange knowledge and turn opportunities into tangible business outcomes, while also shaping the future direction of the Hotels, Restaurants and Catering industry together,”
He also recognized that the global trading environment is now facing “increasing uncertainty” as shifting trade policies, geopolitical tensions, rising energy costs and disruptions to global supply chains are affecting industries worldwide, including the travel and tourism sectors,
“In such circumstances, resilience, adaptability and cooperation have become essential foundations for sustainable growth. The success of Thaifex Horec Asia demonstrates Thailand’s readiness to navigate these challenges with confidence. Our strengths extend far beyond products and services,” Anutin said.
He said that the event is a “strategic platform” that strengthens supply chain connectivity, expands market opportunities and reinforces Thailand’s role as a trusted partner in regional and global commerce.
The event hosted more than 664 companies from 35 countries across the globe and was attended by at least 22,000 visitors over the sprawling 39,000 square meter event space.
Among the exhibitors in the event is Sonite Innovative Surfaces, a Thai company that uses materials such as eggshells, rice husks, coconut fibers and discarded water bottles to create finishing surfaces, furniture and hotel furnishings.
In an interview with The Manila Times, Sonite President Nitiphan Darakananda said that the company’s name derived from “Solid Surface” and “Granite,” which is their aim for the people to think about their products.
He added that the “solid surface” that they created was a by-product of research jointly developed with a Thai professor who was also a consultant for Starbucks Thailand.
“There’s a lot of coffee grounds that get discarded. And yes, people make it for, you know, composting or using it for plants. But there’s only so much you can do. And what other things can we do? So, we decided, hey, you know, we did the solid surface for, you know, the material. Can we do something with the coffee grounds? And so, we started developing that, and we came up with the material. And then, you know, we made tabletops for Starbucks,” Nitiphan said.
