Food exports set for 7% rise

Food exports are expected to grow by about 7% this year on the back of strong demand in Asian markets, says the National Food Institute (NFI). President Petch Chinabutr yesterday said food exports could reach 1.08 trillion baht, up 6.93% from 1.01 trillion last year. Demand is expected to rise from major food importers such as Japan and Asean members, particularly the Philippines, Myanmar, Laos and Indonesia. Asean members are the biggest importers of Thai food at 200 billion baht, followed by Japan at 150 billion, the US at 130 billion, Europe at 120 billion and China at 110 billion. He said food as a raw material accounted for 60% of total food export value of 1.01 trillion baht last year, while processed and cooked foods comprised the rest.

However, Wisit Limprana, chairman of an NFI subcommittee called Thai Food Heritage, said it would be another tough year for food exports. Demand should not be very strong since the economies of major Thai food importers remain weak, he said. The NFI suggests food exporters seek innovations to improve their products to be more competitive in the world market.

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