Ingredients are very important elements in the food manufacturing process as they determine the outcome of products, through taste, texture and pricing.

Food Ingredients Asia (Fi Asia), established in 1994, is the largest food and beverage ingredients trade show within the ASEAN region where food industry players all over the world gather in hopes of starting, networking, and continuing winning business relationships in Asia.

With Indonesia being the world’s current hot spot and after the success of previous years, Fi Asia has returned to Indonesia for their 2012 exhibition.

It has just been reported that Indonesia recorded an increase of 41% in processed food consumption over the past 5 years. This growth has attracted the attention of processed food manufacturers from all over the world who are now targeting Indonesia as market opportunities

From food ingredient manufacturers to food industry consultants, traders to food technologists associations, the exhibitors’ list surpassed all expectations with a complete sell out this year. 

The number of Fi Asia exhibitors increased by 68%, from 262 exhibitors in 2010, to 553 exhibitors this year.

Held from 3^rd to 5^th of October, at the Jakarta International Expo ground, the exhibition also included conferences and free seminars for those interested in specific topics from new health and safety regulations to updates on glutamate research.

With the Asian food industry’s continuous development, it is no revelation that the event was crowded with food industry players and food enthusiasts alike.

Booths were filled up with various food grade chemicals used in industrial processing, food ingredient magazines, and all kinds of industry equipment.

At a glance, some of the products included colorants to make food and drinks look more attractive, aspartame to replace sugar, and fish collagen to supposedly make you look younger.

Keep an eye out for Fi Asia 2013. It seems that the future of the food and beverage industry in Asia remains bright and that new products are continuing to blossom due to the ever-growing demands of society.

Further information of the event can be found here.  Click here for more photos of  Fi Asia (Indonesia) 

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Text: Amanda Cole

 Images: Food Ingredients Asia, SEAFAST IPB