Mrs. Suchada Ithijarukul, Chief Executive Officer of Siam Makro Public Company Limited, the cash & carry wholesaler centre under membership system under “Makro” brand said that,
“One of Makro’s key missions is to become the number one trade partners of member customers who operate an entire food business. Not only the Makro customers who operate hotel, restaurant and catering business, but also operators in related services which are called as “food service”, including retail processed food producers, retailer with restaurants and agencies which demand for food and equipment supply. Consequently, the sale of food and equipment used in food business come enjoyed a steady rise. In the first half of this year, the sale rose by more than 17 per cent (LFL+10), compared to the performance last year. The company has to be always ready to respond to the needs of member customers.”
“In January, Makro opened the 53rd branch in Hua Hin with the new concept of outlet entitled “Makro Food Service” at Hua Hin District. The food professionals can choose a wide range of quality products to service more than 2 million tourists from Thailand and overseas who come to spend their vacation.” Ms. Suchada said.
In addition to new outlets to respond to the future growth of food service and business expansion, Makro has a policy to support the member customers and suppliers by informing them of new knowledge and increasing their business potential. The company has organized the “Makro HoReCa” for the 7th consecutive year now. The annual event has received positive feedback from the customers, members, operators and trade partners.
Miss Prantip Akarimachayanon, Director Customer Development and chairperson of “Makro HoReCa 2012”, said that “7th Makro HoReCa” is organized under the theme “International Food Solution” with an objective to educate and inspire food operators, most of them are Makro members, to apply new ideas to develop and leverage their business by combining their uniqueness with the international food concept with creativity. The event is designed to ensure the readiness of the local food operators for the growth of international food business in Thailand. The target group is the international tourists and Thai customers who prefer international culinary.
The main activities focus on providing the operators with practical knowledge in choosing raw materials and quality condiments for cooking as well as tips and techniques for international cuisine. The activities should inspire food operators to create new menu and add value to their services to elevate the local restaurant and catering business to the international standard. The participants will also have an opportunity to directly exchange view with the food producers and operators.
The event is divided into 5 zones: 1) Cooking Competition, 2) Food Pavilion with a booth to demonstrate cooking of 11 international dishes from well-known restaurants, 3) Activity Zone to provide a forum for exchange of views with professional chefs and celebrities who are also restaurateurs, 4) Workshop Zone and exhibition booths from more than 270 operators. And can’t miss the highlights namely the contest for the best professional chef in hotel, restaurants and catering business from all regions under the assignments: “International Dish”. Makro sponsored the regional cooking contest entitled “Makro HoReCa Challenge 2012” from June in which the contestants had to compete in cooking “dinner set” and “coffee tea break”. The winner will receive the trophy from HRH Princess Somsavalee Praworaracha Thinaddamart and the prize money worth 100,000 Baht. The combined prizes from this competition totaled more than 500,000 Baht. The winner of each category will be sponsored by Makro to participate in FHA competition in Singapore in 2014. In fact, the first runner-up of this year’s FHA event in April is the winner of Makro HoReCa last year. This should enhance the reputation for the country. Apart from the professional competition, the contest this year also features junior chef contest.
“Another activity that can’t be missed is Makro Pavilion, which will demonstrate the cooking from 11 countries from popular restaurants. The participants can taste the 11 international dishes for free. The stage will feature ice sculpting demonstration by the international winning team, the best of bartenders and bartending techniques and savory menu. Archan Visit, an expert in Fang Shui, will share his insight how to create the suitable floor plan to enhance the operators’ business. Khun Chakrapong Boonyom, a leading architect who is an expert in designing the shop floor plan according to Feng Shui belief, will also participate in the event,” added Ms Prantip.
The four-day event will star celebrities and artists who are also restaurateurs to share their experience in running successful food and restaurant business, including Dome Pakorn Lum, Fai-Foo from Indy Kitchen, Ja-Yossanee, a celebrity producer, An-Jenny, the owner of Nang Kwak restaurant and Khun Nok Weed who will demonstrate how to make beer ice cream which is exotic and flavorful for the participants to taste. The workshop features more than 10 interesting of seminar and workshops for participants.
The “7th Makro HoReCa” event will be held from 13-16 September at Impact Muang Thong Thani Hall 1 and Hall 2 from 10:00-19:00 hours. On 13-14 September, the event will be opened for the Makro customers and members who operate hotel, restaurant and catering business and educational institutions. The event will be opened for general public on 15-16 September 2012 free of charge.