None of us knew that Thailand is the leading agricultural supplier because of its developed sector in food processing. It also comes with the most advanced industry in food processing in Southeast Asia. This allows the country further to export more value-added products among international markets. These markets include the countries of the United States, China, Japan, and Europe. The main food exports include canned tuna, rice, cassava products, chicken meat, sugar, & canned pineapple. In 2018, Thai exports grew to about 7.3 percent. It is an amount of 32.2 billion dollars.

The Industry of Food Processing

The industry of food processing in Thailand developed fast. It is by far the most developed among SouthEast Asian countries. This is true to say with the numbers of about 10,000 beverage and food processing industries. The majority of food processors are S&M size. They also are serving the local market.

Nevertheless, many medium and large food processors are producing high-value products for both export and domestic markets. The main products can include sugar, canned pineapple, frozen shrimp, confectionery, tapioca, and more. Thailand’s seafood sector is by far the third biggest around the world. They are next to Norway and China having just ninety percent of the output that is exported.

Truly, the industry of packaged foods is fragmented. The top 10 companies are also under the control of 1/3 of the sales value. The trends in the food & beverage in Thailand just last year are healthy foods like clean foods and healthy snacks. These health beverages constitute functional drinks and natural ingredients. There are also readily available foods to eat, food delivery, frozen meals, food for the ageing populations, vegetarian foods, organic foods, plant-based products, and processed seafood.

Opportunities in the Food Processing Grow in Thailand

There are so many opportunities in the food processing sector in Thailand. That is why the latter grows its sales for domestic products and processed foods. This is brought about by the strong demand in the food and retail service sectors.

With its well-developed processing sector for good, the country serves as the leading agricultural exporter and also processed food products. The sector also actively introduces and develops new products that create demand for newer forms of food ingredients.

For decades, the food processing industry in Thailand developed rapidly. It is by far the most developed country in Southeast Asia. The companies engaged in food processing fall under the processing of frozen seafood, cooked and semi-cooked meat, ready meal products, fruits, vegetables, food, spices, meat products, juices & drinks, green tea, low-sugar and tea beverage, juice drinks, and many more.

The agricultural resources of Thailand also push forth the country as a leading agricultural supplier. But of course, the changes in the behaviour of customers follow based on beauty and health concerns and the ageing society. Newer products will have to be processed following agricultural products. This is also since there is just less time spent on food preparation. This is brought about by the long working hours and the women’s working force.

About the decisions and behaviours of consumers, they as well change because of speed, convenience, ability to buy, information accessibility, and ability to pay for services and products anytime and anywhere. The market both online and e-Commerce began playing their role to a more convenient and faster method of payment and purchasing. Thus, an impressive and good experience is delivered to customers in the food processing industry.

It can be said as true that without an agricultural supplier, the food processing sector may be impaired in its functions. This is because the latter processed foods coming from the agriculture field. Grain, processed sugar and any other food items originate well in the agriculture industry. That makes Thailand as a top grain exporter/supplier too!