Issue 56

During 2011-2015, China’s food imports increased by 22.6% to US$220.32 billion, according to the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of the People’s Republic of China (AQSIQ).

The five largest food exporters to China are ASEAN, the EU, the US, New Zealand and Brazil, with ASEAN countries accounting for 25% of the market share. Major imported products are grain oil, aquatic products, meat and dairy products.

DITP’s Chengdu office estimates that China will increase its food imports, and that this represents a good opportunity for Thai food exporters.

“Exporters must give priority to quality and food safety, and follow AQSIQ rules, regulations and guidelines,” the office states in a report released July 21. It also highlighted opportunities in beauty and healthcare, wellness, tourism, entertainment and recreation.

Issue 56

The Ministry of Commerce will appoint marketing representatives in potential markets to boost the country’s exports, DITP Director-General Malee Choklumlerd announced on August 3.

“We need local experts who understand the market, know how to market Thai products, have strong networks, and can assist Thai entrepreneurs to establish their businesses in the target market,” Choklumlerd said.

The DITP expects to conclude the list of cities requiring marketing representatives by the end of September.

Issue 56

The US pineapple products market is estimated to expand by 5 to 8% up to US$1.2 billion in 2016 as the global super power increases imports from overseas including Thailand, according to DITP data released on July 29.

“The US will import more pineapple products before re-exporting them to other countries,” said DITP Director-General Malee Choklumlerd. “Thai canned pineapple and pineapple juice are two potential products for this market and the US will import more from Thailand.”

In 2015, Thailand was the largest exporter of canned pineapple and pineapple juice to the US with 59% and 48% of the market share, respectively.

Choklumlerd advised Thai producers to diversify their products. “American consumers tend to eat more dried fruits and vegetables instead of other snacks. Thai entrepreneurs then can seek new opportunities in this dried fruits market, especially dried pineapples,” she added. 

Issue 56

The Ministry of Commerce is stimulating durian exports to Hong Kong as part of its ongoing campaign to promote Thai durian in shopping malls after seeing Malaysian durians gain a greater market share, Minister of Commerce Apiradi Tantraporn stated on July 31.

Tantraporn ordered the DITP office in Hong Kong to survey Hong Kong’s durian consumption to enable them to draw up a plan to increase Thai durian exports, especially processed durians, to the territory. “Now, Mon Thong and Kan Yao durians are the most popular in Hong Kong, and Thai durians constitute 95% of the market share with an export value of US$307 million,” she said.

The data showed that Malaysian durians’ market share in Hong Kong has increased rapidly from 5.91% in 2011 to 25% in 2015. To maintain Thailand’s durian market share the DITP is organising a Thailand Food Fair in local shopping malls including AEON, Apita and Park n Shop.

Issue 56

The DITP is encouraging Thai businesses to target the US edible insect market, which was valued at US$20 million in 2015, and could be a huge market in the future.

“Thailand has a high potential in supplying food made from insects because we have more than 300 types of edible insects,” DITP Director-General Malee Choklumlerd said on August 2. “Initially, entrepreneurs may offer insects in powder form to consumers, and once they get used to it, we can provide them with other menus such as cooked insects in attractive packaging.”

Data from DITP shows that insect consumption in the US has grown rapidly in recent years. Now, there are 110 restaurants in 16 states offering food made from insects. Menus include grasshopper tacos, fried silkworm pupae, protein bars and cookies made from cricket power, and chocolate-coated crickets.

Issue 56

The DITP and the Gem and Jewelry Institute of Thailand (GIT) jointly organised a dinner talk entitled ‘Towards a Global Leader in the Gems and Jewelry Industry’ on August 8 at the Holiday Inn Silom Hotel, Bangkok.

“The gems and jewelry industry is significant to the country’s economy, […] exports of gems and jewelry have witnessed continuous robust growth, enjoying more than US$7.18 billion worth of revenue, making Thailand the world’s 12th largest gems and jewelry exporting country,” said Minister of Commerce Apiradi Tantraporn, who presided over the dinner.

“Thailand is one of the world’s two largest colourstone centres for raw materials and production,” said Gaetano Cavalieri, President of CIBJO (The World Jewelry Confederation) who was the key speaker at the event. “The Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair should position itself as a regional show, a gateway to the mega-market that is ASEAN.”

The DITP will host the 58th Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair (BGJF) from September 7 to 11 at Challenger Hall, IMPACT, Muang Thong Thani, Bangkok. The fair’s highlights will include: the 60+Exhibition featuring jewelry for the elderly, Gemstlemen jewelry for men, Pet Parade jewelry for pet lovers and The Moments exhibition that will feature jewelry for special occasions.