The global food, beverage, and packaging industries have reached a turning point, shifting from mass production to "Hyper-Intention." Informa Markets reveals that the manufacturing sector is advancing toward Industry 5.0, an era characterized by efficient collaboration between humans, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine technology. Recently, Informa Markets partnered with the Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research (TISTR), the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), the Thai Chamber of Commerce, and leading global corporate partners to organize ProPak Asia 2026, aiming to equip operators for the new industrial era.
Mr. Sanchai Noombunnam, Country General Manager of Informa Markets Thailand and organizer of ProPak Asia 2026, discussed the technological, innovative, and strategic directions aimed at elevating Thailand into a global hub for food, beverage, and packaging manufacturing and processing. He stated that the future of manufacturing is moving toward Industry 5.0, which integrates humans, AI, and automation to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and elevate production quality to meet rapidly changing market demands. Meanwhile, the food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and packaging industries are transitioning from mass production to flexible manufacturing that targets specific consumer niches. Consequently, operators must urgently adapt to smart factories and data-driven production processes utilizing technology and innovation to add value, reduce waste, and support sustainability trends, which are becoming the core of the modern industry.
To fully accommodate this technological transition, ProPak Asia 2026 is relocating to IMPACT Muang Thong Thani. This move reflects a vision to elevate the event from a regional exhibition to a global manufacturing and packaging innovation hub. With a 20% increase in exhibition space (totaling over 60,000 sq.m.), the venue will fully support real-time demonstrations of modern intelligent machinery and production lines from world-class manufacturers—a rare feature for regional events. Key highlights of the event include:
- DigitalisationAsia Zone & Intelligent Automation: A new zone delving into innovative machinery, new solutions, and data-driven analytics. It focuses on enhancing precision, speed, and risk reduction via AI tools, Machine Learning, AI-driven factory management, and Collaborative Robots working alongside humans. ?
- Sustainability Gateway: An in-depth knowledge hub featuring seminars, conferences, and workshops led by over 100 local and regional experts decoding industry trends. Topics include Future Food, Global Food Security, and Lab & Test Asia, which focuses on international testing standards. ?
- Global Participation: The exhibition features 2,500 leading brands from 45 countries, with 13 international pavilions representing South Korea, China, Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, Malaysia, France, the UK, North America, India, Italy, Australia, and Bavaria. ?
- Economic Impact: The event is expected to attract over 80,000 global visitors, generating an estimated 5.5 billion baht in trade and business negotiation value.
ProPak Asia 2026 serves not merely as a machinery trading space, but as a platform connecting the entire Total Value Chain—from processing and packaging to smart warehousing and Cold Chain logistics. Informa Markets Thailand aims to propel ProPak Asia to become the number one processing and packaging exhibition in the Asia-Pacific region by 2027, and a premier global event by 2028. Industry operators seeking to elevate their competitive edge and achieve sustainable growth are highly encouraged to attend.
Dr.Pattra Maneesin, Deputy Governor of Research and Development for Sustainable Development at the Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research (TISTR), highlighted TISTR's role in supporting the government's policy to propel Thailand as a global Food Security Hub. TISTR utilizes Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) mechanisms to strengthen three core strategies: creating high-value Future Food innovations, utilizing processing technologies to mitigate Food Loss and Food Waste, and developing eco-friendly packaging. These align with the BCG Economy model to overcome stringent international trade measures and volatile global situations. To drive research toward commercialization, TISTR adheres to a "Partner of your success" philosophy, acting as a strategic ally for operators and new researchers through its Total Solution Service. This service covers product formula research, international standard testing, and providing Sandbox & Infrastructure spaces for pilot plant trial runs, reducing risks before actual investment.
At ProPak Asia 2026, TISTR will showcase its capabilities under the theme "TISTR Total Solution." This includes the TISTR Showcase of successful innovative products ready for business expansion, and One-on-One Business Matching for technical problem-solving or packaging upgrades to international standards. It will also exhibit the winning entries of the ThailandStar Packaging Awards 2026 under the theme "Packaging Beyond the Box." With over 100 entries this year, the award ceremony is scheduled for June 11, 2026. Winning entries will advance to regional (AsiaStar) and global (WorldStar) competitions. TISTR is fully committed to transforming challenges into opportunities and research into sustainable economic value, ensuring Thailand proudly becomes the world's food security hub.
Dr.Visit Limlurcha, Vice Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Chairman of the Processed Food and Future Food Committee, provided insights into Thai food exports, noting they continue to maintain steady levels across Asian, Middle Eastern, and European markets. The Middle East represents a golden opportunity, relying on food imports for 50-90% of its needs, allowing Thailand to capture market share once global situations stabilize. Currently, traditional agricultural and commodity products account for 90% of Thailand's exports, while Future Food constitutes only about 10%. If operators elevate product standards using innovation and production technologies aligned with modern consumer behaviors—such as Functional Food, Plant-based options, or products with reduced sugar, sodium, and fat—it will be a decisive move for global success. Creating added value for food products is impossible without investing in research and innovation. Therefore, the Thai Chamber of Commerce fully supports ProPak Asia 2026 as a strategic partner. The event offers a shortcut to accessing modern processing and packaging technologies, allowing operators to adapt, add product value, reduce production losses, and extend shelf life. It also provides an opportunity to meet business partners and learn about strategic adaptations and new global business models.
Addressing the overall food and beverage industry, Dr.Thongdee Paso, Chairman of the Food and Beverage Industry Club at The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), noted that the world is facing multiple domino effects—from conflicts causing energy crises to food security threats, compounded by climate change issues affecting global costs and food supply chains. Although Thai food export figures have signaled a decline over the past three years, putting the industry at a critical juncture, crises also present opportunities for those willing to change direction, restructure, and add value. Operators must expand into Emerging Markets that possess purchasing power and require food security. Furthermore, the focus must shift from volume and price-competing commodities to high-quality, value-added products such as processed foods, health foods, foods for the aging society, and Future Food. Businesses must advance using innovation and modern technologies—particularly renewable energy and alternative packaging—to reduce costs and boost competitiveness.
Partnering with ProPak Asia 2026 is a vital piece of the puzzle connecting Thai food and beverage operators, especially SMEs and startups, with high-efficiency production technologies that meet global demands, reduce costs, and achieve Zero Waste. On this occasion, the FTI will join a panel discussion at the ProPak Stage on the topic "Asia F&B Industry Outlook: Economic Signals & Game Changer," addressing the economic overview and adaptation guidelines, scheduled for June 10, 2026, from 13:00 to 13:45 hrs. Interested operators are invited to attend the event and gather strategic ideas for their business operations.
ProPak Asia 2026 is scheduled to take place from June 10-13, 2026, at the IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Center, Muang Thong Thani. For more information and event details, please visit www.propakasia.com.
