NationThailand/ANN/Bernama-May 13
As one of the world’s leading exporters of rice, sugar, chicken, and seafood, Thailand – nicknamed ‘the Land of Smiles’ and long known as the “kitchen of the world” – is now striving to become a leader in the production of future food. Future food falls into four categories: functional food and functional ingredients, medical and personalized food, alternative protein, and organic food. Functional foods include products that offer added health benefits such as boosting immunity or increasing energy-like botanical drinks with Thai herbal extracts such as lemongrass or ginger. Alternative protein refers to plant-based burgers, sausages, or meat that mimic the taste and texture of real meat.
Thailand’s future food exports are growing rapidly, driven by increasing public awareness of health and wellness. This trend is partly influenced by the post-Covid-19 shift, with more individuals opting for healthier, sustainably produced, and eco-friendly food options. According to Smith Taweelerdniti, Managing Director of Nithi Foods and Vice President of the Thai Future Food Trade Association, future food currently accounts for around nine per cent of Thailand’s total food exports. Speaking at the recent Press Meeting & Networking for Fi Asia & Vitafoods Asia 2025 in Chiang Mai, Taweelerdniti revealed that in January this year, the largest export category-functional food and ingredients valued at 11.53 billion Thai baht (THB). This was followed by medical and personalized food (THB629 million), alternative protein (THB384 million), and organic food (THB117 million). Thailand’s major export markets for this sector include ASEAN countries (50 %), China (21 %), the United States (18 %), and the European Union (10 %). Despite strong export performance, Taweelerdniti believes Thailand’s biggest challenge is the still-low domestic consumption of future food. “If Thais themselves don’t eat what they produce, the country cannot claim to be a leader in the future food industry,” he said. Thailand remains one of the largest markets for nutraceuticals in the Asia Pacific. According to Euromonitor International, the country’s nutraceutical market was worth THB190 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach THB239 billion by 2027. Read more at: https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/business/trade/40049897
