Thailand improves food industry to increase export value

Thailand improves food industry to increase export value and address challenges

At the press conference and networking for Fi Asia Thailand and Vifafoods Asia 2025 on April 23, 2025 at Marriot Hotel in Chiangmai province, Smith Taweelerdniti, managing director Nithi Foods, and vice president of Thai Future Association discussed Thailand's food industry.

“Thailand prides itself as a top world food producer or kitchen of the world. We have steady growth on the export our food to the whole world,” he said.

Last year, the total export value of Thai agri-food product was almost 820 billion baht, including 225.66 billion baht from rice, 151.3 billion baht from chicken, 110.3 billion baht from tapioca products, 231.4 billion baht from fruits (including chilled, frozen, dried), and 24.1 billion baht from shrimp.

Of this, the value of chicken export is going up significantly from 23.66 billion baht in the first two months of 2024 to 25.45 billion baht in the first two months of this year.

Processed food exports also brought huge value to this country with total turnovers at 821.2 billion baht last year, including almost 120 billion baht from seafoods – canned, processed; 85.3 billion baht from sugar and molasses, 85 billion from pet foods, nearly 84 billion from wheat products and others, and 70.5 billion from beverages.

They report an uptrend on year in every items, from 122.56 billion baht in the first two months last year to 127 billion baht in the first two months this year.

Among future food exports in January, functional food and functional ingredients ranked first with the value of 11.53 billion baht, medical and personalised food 629 million baht, alternative protein 384 million baht, and organic food 117 million baht.

Among export markets, ASEAN is the biggest with 4.9 billion in export turnover, US 1.7 billion baht, China 2 billion baht, and EU 965 million baht.

“If we want to be a leader of future food, we must consume our rare so that we can encourage our social impact. If we group together, maybe we can ask for some policies from the government for support or lift the industry together,” Taweelerdniti said.

Yuthana Phimolsiripol, dean of the Faculty of the Agro Industry of Chiangmai University, highlighted driving the sustainable growth of the food industry through research, knowledge development, and the training of highly skilled professionals.

“The role of academia in shaping the future of food is to develop a sustainable future for food systems; play a crucial role in driving innovation, transferring knowledge and collaborating with the private sector, government, and communities; address challenges such as food security, climate change, and sustainability of the food supply chain,” he said.

"Academic institutions influence consumer trends, play a key role in R&D that directly influences consumer behaviours, from the development of healthier foods, and innovations in flavour or packaging, to the promotion of sustainable consumption trends. Research conducted in the lab can truly transform food for consumers."

Academic incubators and startups launch food tech from campus to market. Business incubators within academic institutions support food technology startups by providing mentorship, access to resources and laboratories, and building networks with investors and industry partners – all aimed at driving innovation from the university setting into the real market.

“Academic research plays a vital role in addressing major global challenges such as hunger, waste, and sustainability of food systems; with a focus on developing practical solutions, technologies, and policies that contribute to building an efficient and sustainable food system,” he said.

ASEAN media agencies, including VIR, visited four factories in Chiangmai province on April 23-24

To discuss these issues, Fi Asia Thailand 2025 is an opportunity to tap into the region, taking place on September 17-19 in Bangkok. This is the top event for the ASEAN food and beverage ingredients industry. It brings together over 750 exhibitors, and over 23,000 visitors from more than 70 countries.

Rungphech Chitanuwat, Informa Markets regional portfolio director – ASEAN said that this was one destination, where two industry powerhouses gain access to both the food ingredients and nutraceutical supply chains in a single visit; bringing together suppliers, buyers, R&D experts, and manufacturers from both sectors.

“Visitors will explore synergies between functional food, health supplements, and food technologies. Delegates will enjoy curated seminars, innovation tours, and interactive zones,” she said.

The event covers consumer trends, regulatory updates, scientific breakthroughs, food and nutraceutical innovations, and business tips to expand in Southeast Asian markets

This year’s edition features dynamic content including the Innovation Startup Competition, expert-led innovation tours, and the Innovation zone showcasing groundbreaking new ingredients.

Visitors can also explore the dedicated Sustainability Hub and attend over 60 insightful sessions led by industry leaders. Co-located with Vifafoods Asia, the event offers unparalleled access to the full spectrum of F&B and nutraceutical innovation across the region.

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