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.
(thailand.prd.go.th)
