Greener kitchens, smarter systems: What PH hospitality players can expect at THAIFEX – HOREC Asia 2026

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March 10, 2026 | 9:52am

MANILA, Philippines — As sustainability becomes an increasingly important priority for hospitality businesses, Philippine industry players are also stepping up efforts to adopt greener practices—from reducing food waste to investing in more energy-efficient systems.

These shifts are expected to be reflected at THAIFEX – HOREC Asia 2026, where technologies and solutions focused on sustainability, automation and operational efficiency will take center stage at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, Bangkok, Thailand on March 11-13, 2026.

Philippine hospitality sector going greener?

In an email interview with Philstar.com, Wendy Lim, general manager of Koelnmesse Pte Ltd, said the Philippine hospitality and foodservice sector has been showing growing momentum in sustainability initiatives.

“For the Philippines, we have been seeing how the country has been accelerating sustainability practices, including food waste reduction and greener supply chains, and we see a similar trend and focus across markets,” Lim said.

This shift toward more environmentally responsible operations is visible across the exhibition floor, where sustainability-related innovations make up a significant portion of the showcase.

“This is reflected on our show floor, which includes a range of sustainability-focused themes & exhibitions across energy-efficient kitchen systems, waste-smart production models, water-conscious laundry technologies and circular material applications,” Lim said.

According to Lim, about 50% of this year’s exhibitors are presenting sustainability-related solution. Moreover, the upcoming edition of the trade show is expected to bring together more than 600 exhibitors from 35 countries and regions across a 35,000-square-meter exhibition space—a 30% increase from the previous edition.

“The 2026 edition represents a clear step forward in scale and international depth,” Lim said, noting that new markets such as Canada, Mexico, India, Sweden and the Netherlands will join established country pavilions from Italy, China and Singapore.

Technology, efficiency to take center stage

For hospitality operators navigating rising energy costs and labor shortages, the show also highlights how technology is helping businesses operate more efficiently.

In the Philippines and across Southeast Asia, there is a growing shift toward more environmentally responsible supply chains. As a result, Lim said the industry is increasingly investing in automation, smart kitchen systems, energy-efficient equipment, sustainability solutions and system-driven operations.

Among the key features of the event is the THAIFEX – HOREC Xperiential Zone, which recreates a working hospitality environment where visitors can see how systems and equipment function during actual service.

“Designed as a live, role-based operating environment, it recreates front-of-house service, back-of-house workflows and chef-led operations to demonstrate how systems and equipment function within real service conditions,” Lim said.

“This allows visitors to evaluate workflow integration, service efficiency and process coordination rather than viewing products in isolation.”

According to Lim, this reflects a broader shift in how hospitality businesses evaluate solutions—moving beyond individual products toward systems that improve operational consistency.

“The focus shifts from what businesses buy, to how effectively they operate, a distinction that reflects current industry realities in which performance is increasingly defined by execution quality and operational consistency,” she said.

Opportunities for smarter, sustainable operations

Philippine hospitality industry players are also expected to participate in the event’s Hosted Buyer Programme, which connects suppliers with decision-makers responsible for procurement and operations.

“We are welcoming more than 500 hosted buyers from over 30 countries/regions, with large groups coming from countries/regions such as Thailand, Philippines, China and Malaysia,” Lim said.

“The objective is to engage with buyers with clear sourcing authority.”

For operators attending the show, Lim said the most important areas to focus on include improving operational execution, increasing resource efficiency and adopting system-driven operations.

“Operators are dealing with labor shortages, rising energy cost and the need for consistent service quality. This is why technologies like automation, smart kitchen systems, and sustainability solutions are gaining traction,” she said. “Energy use, food waste and sustainability are now operational priorities, not marketing topics.”

To recognize companies advancing sustainability in hospitality operations, the event will also introduce the THAIFEX – HOREC Asia Sustainability Awards, which will highlight exhibitors whose products demonstrate measurable impact.

“The awards will honor exhibitors whose products demonstrate measurable impact in three areas such as environmental impact, scalability and innovation,” Lim said.

As the Philippine hospitality sector continues to grow alongside tourism and dining demand, platforms such as THAIFEX – HOREC Asia offer industry players opportunities to explore solutions that help businesses operate more sustainably and efficiently.

“This, coupled with the country’s dedicated focus on adopting sustainability-forward initiatives in the HoReCa industry gives us the opportunity to connect these buyers with operators who are actively expanding and sourcing solutions for their businesses,” Lim said.