Thailand has shifted its focus to stimulating domestic consumption and the export of fruit to help farmers capitalise on new markets such as the US, Europe and Canada, according to the Department of Internal Trade.
Wattanasak Sur-iam, director-general of the department, said 2024 is another golden year for Thai fruit due to stable and high prices compared to last year.
Despite the El Nino weather phenomenon which resulted in harvest delays, overall fruit production increased by 3% from 6.75 million tonnes last year.
The yield of durian rose by 3%, mangosteen by 195%, rambutan by 5% and pineapple by 10%.
The Commerce Ministry is closely monitoring the production and distribution of fruit through fruit management measures which include coordination with department stores, big retail/wholesale stores and gas stations to purchase fruit through the contract farming mechanism and expansion of distribution channels including Thong Fah (Blue Flag) mobile units, villages and condominiums.
Moreover, the ministry has collaborated with relevant state agencies to facilitate fruit exports at border checkpoints which resulted in higher prices of fruit compared with last year.
The price of A-grade and B-grade durian is 177.50-195 baht per kilogramme, up from 120 baht, mangosteen is 119 baht per kg, up from 73 baht, and longan is 43.5-45 baht per kg, up from 32 baht.
This year, the department plans to export fresh longan without seeds to the US, Europe and Canada following the recent opening of new export markets in Indonesia and India, in addition to China -- the main export market.
Other stimulus measures to boost domestic consumption include the "Thai Fruit Festival 2024" organised by the Commerce Ministry in April.
Featuring over 75 types of fresh and processed fruit, the event aims has to assist farmers in distributing their produce and to promote the soft power of Thai fruit.
The Commerce Ministry states that this festival aligns with the government's 2024 fruit management policies, which include six measures and 25 plans to expand distribution channels and enhance the global recognition of Thai fruit.
This year, fruit production is estimated to reach 6.76 million tonnes, with domestic consumption representing 1.76 million tonnes, accounting for 26%, and exports representing 5 million tonnes, accounting for 74%.
