Over 100 major international buyers to be present at HCMC FOODEX 2025

Ms. Ly Thi Kim Chi, Chairwoman of the Ho Chi Minh City Food and Foodstuff Association, stated at the press conference for the 4th Ho Chi Minh City International Food Industry Exhibition (HCMC FOODEX 2025) on March 18 that the food processing industry is essential for the socio-economic development of Ho Chi Minh City.

The city has implemented a variety of policies to provide assistance to businesses in this industry.  The Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee issued Decision 4700, which approved the Strategy for the Development of the City's Food Processing Industry until 2030, with a vision toward 2050. This decision is particularly noteworthy.

In order to fortify the food processing industry's presence in both domestic and international markets, this strategy identifies trade promotion, market development, and supply-demand connectivity as critical solutions for enhancing competitiveness, boosting exports, building brands, expanding distribution channels, and tapping into potential markets.

Additionally, Ho Chi Minh City’s food industry is focusing on developing key products that meet food safety, green, and sustainable standards.  Initiatives are being taken to enhance traceability and facilitate the transition from unprocessed to refined processing in order to enhance the value of the product.

"From now until 2050, the industry aims for robust growth, with an annual value-added growth rate of 7.5 - 8.5% and the food processing sector's contribution to the total industrial value-added reaching approximately 13.5 - 14.5%.  The adoption of high technology will continue to be promoted, with the proportion of high-tech industrial value within the sector reaching at least 50%," a representative of the Ho Chi Minh City Food and Foodstuff Association stated.

According to Mr. Tran Phu Lu, Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Investment and Trade Promotion Center (ITPC), HCMC FOODEX 2025, themed "Natural - Green - Sustainable Products," will bring together more than 400 domestic and international enterprises, featuring over 500 booths displaying a diverse range of products, from raw and deeply processed food, beverages, and ingredients to production, packaging, and preservation technologies.

Within the exhibition framework, a special area will showcase innovative and potential food products, including confectionery, dairy products, butter, and processed foods.

Notably, the event will welcome businesses from South Korea, Japan, China, Malaysia, and other countries, creating a dynamic trade exchange environment.

"More than 100 international buyers will attend the exhibition, presenting significant opportunities for cooperation, trade, and market expansion within the food and food supply chain for Vietnamese businesses," Mr. Tran Phu Lu stated, adding that more than 1,000 business-matching meetings are expected to take place throughout the event.

One of the exhibition's highlights is the Master Chef of FOODEX Competition, which will gather renowned chefs and an expert judging panel from various countries, including Vietnam, India, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and the United States.

With a wide range of competition categories, the event is not only a platform for showcasing culinary talent but also a celebration of creativity and exceptional cooking skills. It aims to highlight both the traditional and modern values of Vietnamese cuisine on the global stage.