Hosted by Talaad Thai, the largest wholesale market in Southeast Asia, the event drew nearly 300 delegates from over 25 countries last year
The World Union of Wholesale Markets (WUWM) has released the official report from last year’s Bangkok conference, which took place on 15-17 May last year.
The event marked the first time the WUWM Conference was hosted in Southeast Asia.
Organised by Talaad Thai, the largest wholesale market in Southeast Asia, the conference drew nearly 300 delegates from over 25 countries.
According to WUWM, the event highlighted the role of wholesale markets in advancing technologies for sustainable, resilient and innovative food systems globally.
Themed ’Wholesale Markets at the forefront of technological innovation: how can technologies make markets more relevant, more efficient and more diversified?’, the conference underscored the transformative power of technology in reshaping wholesale markets to meet the evolving demands of consumers, producers, and the broader food system.
Recognising that technology is no longer optional but a critical enabler of market resilience, sustainability, and efficiency, WUWM noted that the conference explored a wide range of cutting edge technologies.
These included artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) as essential tools to enhance supply chain efficiency, strengthen traceability, ensure food safety, and reduce environmental impacts.
These innovations offer wholesale markets the opportunity to optimise operations, minimise waste, and contribute to more sustainable food systems, while increasing market access and equity for all stakeholders.
”Central to the dialogue was the acknowledgment of the critical role wholesale markets play in global food security,” the Union outlined. “Facing challenges such as climate change, growing urbanisation, and food insecurity, wholesale markets were recognised as essential pillars for ensuring affordable access to food.”
Technological advancements were emphasised as key to enhancing the ability of wholesale markets to safeguard food security by improving distribution efficiency, minimising food waste, and providing equitable access to high quality products across diverse communities, delegates heard.
The conference also focused on the public service function of wholesale markets, which provide vital support to local economies, promote food safety, and facilitate the efficient flow of goods between producers, wholesalers, and retailers.
”This critical role has become even more significant as global supply chains face increasing complexity,” WUWM continued.
There was broad consensus on the need to modernise market infrastructure and governance in order to improve efficiency, bolster resilience, and support inclusive growth.
Sustainability emerged as a recurring theme, with delegates recognising the imperative to decarbonise supply chains and adopt circular economy principles.
The integration of digital tools, such as AI for predictive analytics, was identified as crucial to achieving sustainability goals while meeting consumer demands for transparency, ethical sourcing, and environmental responsibility.
The conference also highlighted the importance of fostering partnerships across sectors – ranging from public and private entities to non governmental organisations – to create a unified approach to sustainable market transformation.
”Furthermore, the conference emphasised the need for wholesale markets to evolve in response to changing consumer behaviour,” WUWM said.
“Delegates explored how technological innovation can facilitate the growth of more diversified markets that better serve the needs of diverse communities, support family farms, and promote local food systems.
“By embracing these changes, wholesale markets can remain relevant and adaptable to future challenges and opportunities,” it pointed out.
In closing, the conference issued a “powerful call to action”, urging stakeholders to accelerate the adoption of technology, foster collaboration, and prioritise sustainability in all aspects of market operations.
WUWM said that the insights shared at the event would guide its ongoing efforts to modernise wholesale markets globally, ensuring that the “essential institutions” remained robust, efficient, and able to contribute to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“The 2024 WUWM Conference served as a pivotal moment for the wholesale market community, reinforcing the importance of innovation and collaboration in building a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient food system for the future,” it added.
