The global spotlight of the hot pot industry is shifting toward Southeast Asia. KEME Exhibitions Ltd. and Baobab Tree Event Management Co., Ltd. are proud to announce the launch of Hot Pots World, a premier B2B expo dedicated to the hot pot industry. The inaugural exhibition will take place from 28-30 October 2026 at Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC). As the first professional trading platform in Southeast Asia dedicated to the entire hot pot supply chain, it serves as a strategic gateway connecting global industry leaders with the region's most dynamic and booming markets.
Regional Engine: Thailand as Southeast Asia's Hot Pot Hub
According to industry analysis[1] by Frost & Sullivan, the global international Chinese catering market is projected to reach US$409.8 billion by 2026, with hot pot - the largest segment - continuing to lead market growth. Thailand, with its mature business environment and strong Gen Z consumer base, has become one of the most active regions for global catering investment.
Currently, the Thai hot pot industry has reached approximately 250 billion THB (approx. US$710 million). Data[1] from Grab Thailand shows a significant year-on-year consumption growth of 65%. Local lifestyle platform LINE MAN WONGNAI also noted that "Mala" hot pot orders have surged by up to 45%[2]. Furthermore, with the implementation of the RCEP, 90% of food trade categories benefit from zero tariffs, optimizing cross-border trade costs and establishing the region as an attractive core hub for the global catering supply chain.
The total value of Thailand's foodservice industry reached US$35.4 billion in 2025[1]. This growth is primarily driven by the hot pot segment, which benefits from a 10% increase in imported ready-to-eat foods and an annual investment of US$3.4 billion in professional ingredients[2] to support large-scale expansions in shopping malls.
Strategic Alliance: Leading the Upgrade of the SE Asia Hot Pot IndustryKeith Tsui, Managing Director of KEME Exhibitions Ltd., stated: "Different regions have their own hot pot cultures - from Korea's Budae-jjigae and Japan's Sukiyaki to China's Sichuan hot pot. We are not just hosting an exhibition; we are building an acceleration engine for the Southeast Asian hot pot industry. The boom of new hot pot restaurants in Bangkok proves this has evolved from a food trend into a phenomenal business opportunity. Our goal is to unlock this 'Golden Opportunity' and build a bridge for global companies to enter the Southeast Asian market."
[1] https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2022/1230/10556130/sehk22071300982.pdf
[1] https://www.grab.com/th/en/press/others/grabfoodsukitrend/
[1] https://lmwn.com/line-man-fun-facts-2023-en/
[1] https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/thailand-foodservice-market
[1] https://apps.fas.usda.gov/newgainapi/api/Report/DownloadReportByFileName?fileName=Food%20Processing%20Ingredients%20Annual_Bangkok_Thailand_TH2025-0030.pdf
Culsin Li, Founder and Managing Director of Baobab Tree Event Management Co., Ltd., added: "We are highly optimistic about the global potential of the hot pot industry. By partnering with KEME, we are leveraging Baobab Tree's decades of exhibition management expertise and professional vision to create high-level brand exposure and strategic business connectivity for exhibitors. Together, we aim to lead the prosperous development of Asian catering culture globally."
Exhibition Highlights:
- Full Supply Chain Coverage: Showcasing everything from soup bases and smart equipment to specialty ingredients (meat, seafood, pre-made items, seasonings) and brand franchising. The event expects to host over 250 global exhibitors and 300+ leading brands.
- The presence of industry professionals: Targeting over 8,000 professional visitors, including catering importers, distributors, supermarket buyers, hotel group procurement, and franchise investors.
- Trade & Innovation Driven: The event will feature hot pot industry innovation conferences and summits to drive brand innovation, exchange, and global cooperation.
The exhibition is actively engaging with core industry forces. It has already secured support from the Hong Kong Overseas Commerce Expansion Association, which serves as the strategic partner for the "Hong Kong Pavilion". Both parties are planning to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to assist Hong Kong catering brands in expanding into the ASEAN market. Additionally, the organizing committee is in deep strategic talks with Thai government departments and catering associations to create a highly influential official industry event.
Booth sale is now open. We cordially invite global enterprises, investors, and media to join us in shaping the future of Southeast Asian catering.
Hot Pots World at a glance
- Date: 28-30 October 2026
- Venue: Hall 101, BITEC, Bangkok, Thailand
- Official Website: https://hotpotsworld.com/