Thailand's Commerce Ministry Unveils Seven Measures to Manage Fruit Supply
The initiative aims to address surplus production, boost domestic consumption, and enhance export opportunities.
The Commerce Ministry of Thailand has introduced a series of measures aimed at managing the supply of fruit, targeting a total distribution of 950,000 tonnes for the year 2025. Minister Pichai Naripthaphan announced seven key measures and 25 action plans focused on preparing for a projected surplus in fruit production, specifically in response to an anticipated 15% year-on-year increase in fruit supply for this year, particularly for crops such as durian, longan, and mangoes.
These measures are designed to ensure that farmers can secure fair prices for their produce while stabilizing market prices.
The strategies encompass a wide range of the supply chain, addressing production, domestic marketing, export, and trade facilitation.
The first measure aims to bolster confidence in fruit production, which includes fast-tracking Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certification and establishing a 'Set Zero' quality control center for fruits.
The second measures focus on promoting domestic consumption by integrating forward markets, expanding product distribution nationwide, supporting management costs, and fostering geographical indication for local produce.
Initiatives such as free shipping for fruits and hosting events like a 'Durian Buffet' are also included to attract tourists.
Thirdly, enhancements in international market promotion will be achieved through the organization of border trade fairs, business matching efforts, support for overseas sales, and participation in international trade exhibitions.
The fourth measure seeks to improve product promotion by leveraging advantages from free trade agreements and negotiating trade facilitation with partner countries.
The ministry will also encourage the processing of fruits under its fifth measure, advocating for the cultivation of horticultural crops instead of traditional annual crops.
The sixth measure aims to eliminate trade barriers by facilitating labor mobility, creating provincial-country sales teams, and establishing task forces to engage with trading partners like China.
Legal measures are set to be implemented under the final measure, requiring the daily display of purchase prices at collection points by 8 AM, along with stricter regulations to prevent trade exploitation.
In terms of total fruit production, a rise to approximately 6.74 million tonnes is anticipated for this year, marking an increase of 858,000 tonnes or 14.6% compared to the previous year.
Notably, durian production is projected to rise by 37% to 1.76 million tonnes, while mango output is estimated at 1.3 million tonnes, reflecting a gain of 10.2%.
These measures are designed to ensure that farmers can secure fair prices for their produce while stabilizing market prices.
The strategies encompass a wide range of the supply chain, addressing production, domestic marketing, export, and trade facilitation.
The first measure aims to bolster confidence in fruit production, which includes fast-tracking Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certification and establishing a 'Set Zero' quality control center for fruits.
The second measures focus on promoting domestic consumption by integrating forward markets, expanding product distribution nationwide, supporting management costs, and fostering geographical indication for local produce.
Initiatives such as free shipping for fruits and hosting events like a 'Durian Buffet' are also included to attract tourists.
Thirdly, enhancements in international market promotion will be achieved through the organization of border trade fairs, business matching efforts, support for overseas sales, and participation in international trade exhibitions.
The fourth measure seeks to improve product promotion by leveraging advantages from free trade agreements and negotiating trade facilitation with partner countries.
The ministry will also encourage the processing of fruits under its fifth measure, advocating for the cultivation of horticultural crops instead of traditional annual crops.
The sixth measure aims to eliminate trade barriers by facilitating labor mobility, creating provincial-country sales teams, and establishing task forces to engage with trading partners like China.
Legal measures are set to be implemented under the final measure, requiring the daily display of purchase prices at collection points by 8 AM, along with stricter regulations to prevent trade exploitation.
In terms of total fruit production, a rise to approximately 6.74 million tonnes is anticipated for this year, marking an increase of 858,000 tonnes or 14.6% compared to the previous year.
Notably, durian production is projected to rise by 37% to 1.76 million tonnes, while mango output is estimated at 1.3 million tonnes, reflecting a gain of 10.2%.
