More Thai Fruit to Be Exported to Asian Markets

(03/10/2012)

Thailand is promoting exports of more Thai fruit to other Asian markets, after it has been successful in increasing its fruit and vegetable exports to China. Asia has been cited as a region where Thai fruit is better-known among consumers than it is in other parts of the world. The Advisor to the Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Thammarat Wanglee, said that Thai fruit exports to China rose significantly in 2011 to more than 505,600 tons, worth almost 14 billion baht. The exports to the Chinese market represent an increase of 15.5 percent in volume and 29.2 percent in value. With the success in fruit exports to China, the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives is eyeing other potential Asian markets in order to promote Thai fruit consumption. These markets include Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan. Mr. Thammarat suggested that both farmers and exporters work closely to improve the quality of Thai fruit, so that it would gain greater recognition in overseas markets. In this regard, the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives has set four guidelines for promoting Thai fruit. In the first guideline, fruit growers across the country will be urged to produce and package their products up to international standards, while attaching greater importance to environmentally friendly production methods. The second guideline seeks to support research and development, so that fruit production will satisfy the market demand. In the third guideline, the logistics system and packaging will be developed further, so that Thai fruit exports through road, maritime, and air transport would be at lower costs. The fourth guideline seeks to launch public relations campaigns to make Thai fruit better known, especially on various occasions, such as festivals in both Thailand and abroad. Today, Thai fruit exports amount to more than 1.2 million tons, worth 30 billion baht a year. Out of 6.5 million farm families in Thailand, about two million are engaged in orchard farming. Thailand is one of the major fruit countries exporting not only to the regional markets but also to the world at large. Because of its exotic taste and diverse varieties, Thai fruit is popular among consumers far beyond the borders of Thailand. The abundance of fresh fruit available all year round provides a good opportunity for Thailand to export its produce. Thanks to orchard growers who are ready to plant new and improved varieties, Thailand is never without fruit – they only vary according to the season. Many kinds of Thai fruit are available any time of the year. Among popular varieties of Thai fruit are durian, mango, rambutan, mangosteen, longan, pineapple, lychee, and longkong. Several varieties are known for their nutritional value and medicinal properties, as well.