Finnish FoodTech visit to Thailand

The Embassy of Finland in Bangkok is pleased to invite Finnish FoodTech and Agri‑Food technology companies to participate in an exclusive visit to Thailand from 26 to 28 May 2026.

This visit is specifically designed for Finnish FoodTech companies seeking market entry, partnerships, investment, or pilot opportunities in Southeast Asia.

Thailand is not only one of the world’s leading food producers but also an increasingly sophisticated innovation market actively seeking European solutions in areas such as alternative proteins, food safety, sustainable and smart packaging, food processing technologies, and agri‑tech.

Why Thailand

  1. Thailand ranks among the top 15 agricultural exporters globally and has declared a national ambition to become a “Global Hub for Future Food”, including plant‑based proteins, insect protein, and cultivated food technologies. To support this strategy, the Thai government offers attractive tax incentives and innovation schemes for foreign companies establishing R&D and commercial operations in the sector.
  2. Thailand’s food exports reached approximately USD 50.9 billion in 2024, while the domestic food market is projected to reach USD 73.5 billion by 2025.
  3. While Thai companies are global leaders in processed foods, poultry, and seafood, they face clear challenges in sustainability, efficiency, and next‑generation food systems—areas where Finnish technology and expertise are particularly well positioned.
  4. Thailand’s major food conglomerates are no longer just manufacturers but active investors and innovation partners. Companies such as Thai Union Group (the world’s largest tuna processor) and Betagro actively invest in FoodTech and agritech startups through dedicated venture arms and accelerator programs.
  5. Thailand is also looking strongly toward the Nordics. A high‑level Thai delegation led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Innovation Agency (NIA) attended Slush 2025 in Helsinki to identify Nordic partners.
    This visit represents the direct reciprocal follow‑up to convert those initial discussions into concrete business opportunities.
     

Preliminary Program

Monday, 25 May

  • Afternoon: Delegation Briefing at the Embassy of Finland
    Market overview, business environment, and cultural briefing.

Tuesday, 26 May – THAIFEX–Anuga Asia 2026

  • Full‑day guided VIP visit to THAIFEX–Anuga Asia at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani
    Focus on the Future Food Experience+ and Food Technology zones.
    Opportunity to meet leading Asian distributors, manufacturers, and technology partners at Asia’s largest F&B trade fair.

Wednesday, 27 May

  • Morning: Site visit to SPACE‑F at Mahidol University
    Meetings with accelerator leadership on soft‑landing and pilot opportunities.
  • Afternoon: Visit to a food manufacturing facility (TBC)
  • Evening: Networking Cocktail Reception at the Ambassador’s Residence
    With C‑level executives from major Thai food conglomerates, retail groups, venture capital firms, and key government agencies.

Thursday, 28 May

  • Morning: Visit to CP ALL Food Academy
    Discussion on food technology, R&D, and supply‑chain requirements for Thailand’s 7‑Eleven and convenience retail ecosystem.
  • Afternoon: Visit to Phenix Food Mall
    Tour of the “World’s Food Wholesale Hub” and the Taste Kitchen demo center, showcasing product testing and market entry pathways for international suppliers.

     

Who Should Join

This delegation is best suited for decision‑makers from Finnish companies, including:

  • CEOs, Founders, or Managing Directors
  • Heads of Business Development, Commercialization, or International Expansion
  • FoodTech startups and scale‑ups
  • Established companies offering strategic technologies for the food and agri‑food industries

Participation fee

Micro businesses and SMEs: EUR 750 + VAT per person

Large companies: EUR 950 + VAT per person

Fee will be invoiced before the visit. Each participant covers own travel costs.
 

Registration

Please register under the following link at the latest on March 15th:
Registration link

Please note: the visit will take place in case min. four companies register.

We look forward to welcoming you to this unique opportunity to explore one of Asia’s most dynamic and forward‑looking food innovation markets.

More information

  • Kimmo Pekari Special Advisor, Trade and Economic Affairs. Email: [email protected]
  • Lili Lehtovuori Senior Advisor & Global Team Lead - Food & Foodtech. Email: [email protected]