An international exhibition on food, beverages and technologies used in food processing and packaging was open in Vietnam's southern Ho Chi Minh City on Wednesday.

According to state-run Vietnam News Agency, the expo of Vietfood & Beverage --- Propack Vietnam 2013, the 17th edition of this kind ever held in Vietnam, drew over 300 local and foreign exhibitors, including those from Germany, the United States, Poland, India, Japan, Thailand, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia and Indonesia.

Apart from showcasing new products in 350 booths, participants want to seek new partners during the four-day event.

According to the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade, Vietnam's consumption during 2011-2016 periods is forecast to grow by 5.1 percent each year as spending per capita is estimated to annually rise by 4.3 percent by 2016.

As a result, domestic sales of canned food are expected to rise by 4.3 percent in volume and 10.4 percent in value.

Meanwhile, sales of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are forecast to increase 7.5 and 8.2 percent, respectively.