In September last year, we experienced a wonderful spike in demand for our fruit chips. But with that came a challenge: our supplier couldn’t keep up. That’s when I realized we could not rely on a single source. For long-term food security and business growth, like it or not, I needed to secure an alternate supply.
I decided to attend THAIFEX—Asia’s leading food and beverage trade show in Bangkok. Besides sourcing for alternative suppliers, it would also be a great opportunity to broaden my exposure in the F&B industry. My flight was easy to secure. But finding accommodation near the venue was a nightmare. The two main hotels were fully booked—probably since the end of the previous year!
To avoid the dreaded Bangkok traffic, I tried my luck with Airbnb. But even three months in advance, most of the good ones were gone. In the end, I managed to secure a humble flat just 1 km from the venue. I felt relieved—I had a roof over my head for my 3-night stay. As the trip drew near, I started worrying: what would it be like staying alone in a low-cost Airbnb for days?
Life as always, had other plans.
Just days before my trip, two couple-friends of mine informed me they had made a last-minute decision to attend THAIFEX. In a heartbeat, I joyfully cancelled my Airbnb booking and joined them at their hotels. We spent two nights in Lat Phrao and one night in Bangkok city.
Upon landing at Suvarnabhumi Airport,
I was greeted by a massive THAIFEX banner.
THAIFEX is a feast for the senses.
The first booth I visited
was Matahari Organic (MH Food) to look for Annie, a beloved capable friend who is also a supplier to us.
The scale was astonishing—3,133 exhibitors from 52 countries!
it’s almost impossible to get a Grab car after 4pm from the venue. Si it was a pleasant surprise to find vans I could hop into to return to Lat Phrao at only THB36. Another lovely experience of enchanting Bangkok.
Beyond the business wins, the trip overflowed with unexpected joys.
They were
—so much laughter and love.
On my last night in Bangkok,
I finally reunited with my bestie, Michelle.
She’s a devoted mom and a capable PA to her husband, so her time is always in high demand.
To top it all off, I also had the pleasure of meeting up with our Singapore partners, Hayden and Emily.
What started as a stressful solo sourcing mission turned into a heartwarming and meaningful adventure—one filled with friendship, wonderful people, and promising connections.
