BANGKOK: From the crunchy yellow flesh of the jackfruit to the natural coconut water, Thailand's diversified fruit exports have been gaining ground among health-conscious consumers around the world thanks to their health benefits and innovative packaging.
In a statement, Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) of the Ministry of Commerce said Thailand is the world's 7th largest fruit exporter, with total fruit exports increasing 48 per cent in value in 2021 to some US$6.2 billion, according to Global Trade Atlas data.
DITP noted that global consumption of fruits and fruit juices has risen in recent years due to push for a healthier diet, a trend that accelerated during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Thailand was the eighth largest global exporter of fruit juice in 2021, with exports worth US$630 million, up 13 per cent from the previous year, the statement said.
"Fresh fruits represent the largest share of Thailand's fruit exports, with Asia being the main market. The country also exports worldwide canned fruits, frozen fruits, ice creams, dried fruits, and drinks, such as pineapple, mango, guava, and orange juice, as well as coconut water.
"The market in the United States and European countries has seen higher demand for organic fruit juices, and a rising popularity for other healthy features, such as low sugar and low calories, or the addition of healthy substances including vitamins and probiotics," it said.
Meanwhile, Managing Director of P.K. Siam Co., Ltd., one of the leading Thai fruit importers in Japan Pimjai Matsumoto said the company has been sharing Japanese consumers about the variety of fruits Thailand offers.
"We started years ago with one type of mango, and over the years we added more mangoes, and now other Thai fruits, such as coconuts, durian, mangosteen, pomelo, and tamarind.
"Tamarind is doing very well this year and is now available in many department stores," he said in a statement.
Thailand's fruit output, which peaks for most varieties between March and July, comprises the king of fruits-durian, queen of fruits-mangosteen, mangoes, longan and tamarind. -- BERNAMA