Sunday Dec 15, 2024
Sunday Dec 15, 2024
Monday, 17 June 2019 00:41 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Embassy in Thailand, organised a technical exposure and capacity building program for 12 potential SME food and beverage export entrepreneurs coinciding with ‘THAIFEX – World of Food Asia 2019’, Bangkok, Thailand, from 27 May to 1 June. 
EDB organised this program under the 2,000 New Exporters Development Program to help 2,000 entrepreneurial hopefuls to become exporters by 2020 at the regional level. The main objective of this program is to encourage domestic enterprises to invest in export industries. Around 120 SME companies engaged in the food and beverage sector, including women entrepreneurs from all regions, have been chosen to participate in this. Accordingly, the EDB has initiated integrated product and market development programs for this selected group of companies, covering the areas of products and system certification, technical program on packaging and labelling, awareness seminars on e-commerce and cross-border procedures, exposure programs to international markets, matchmaking with visiting overseas buyer delegations, etc. 
The SME companies engaged in the food and beverage export industry are facing numerous challenges to be competitive in the international market. Management of food chains requires cross-disciplinary competency in the supply chain and continuous upgrading of products for sustainability. SME food manufacturers also need to constantly update their knowledge on consumer preferences and trends in the global market for new products such as organic, gluten-free, halal, vegetarian, vegan, health and functional foods. They should also be aware of product quality, standards, packaging, pricing and technical capabilities to compete in the international market.
This program consists of an exposure visit to THAIFEX – World Food Asia, a factory visit, one-day training program at the Thai Packaging Centre, and a meeting with the Thai Chamber of Commerce.
It aimed to share with the participants Thailand’s approach to and experience concerning the development of the food and beverage sector, and create a platform for discussion while exchanging knowledge between the participants, Thai professionals and farmer associations.
During the visit to THAIFEX, companies were able to negotiate with exhibitors who participated from China, Poland, Russia, India and Thailand, etc., at the exhibition.
The program held at the Thai Packaging Centre covered areas, including principles of food and beverage packaging, trends and innovation of food and beverage packaging, and packaging development for food products. The companies which participated were able to gain great exposure of the latest technology to upgrade food value additions and develop new products. It brings together knowledge on how to develop packaging technology to cater to the export markets.
