BANGKOK, Thailand – The Department of Foreign Trade (DFT) is organizing a trade delegation to promote Thai organic rice in Germany, Italy, and the United States in 2025. The delegation will meet with key stakeholders, organizations, and large importers to strengthen trade ties and explore new market opportunities for Thai organic rice and related products.
In addition to meetings with industry leaders, the delegation will launch a campaign to promote Thai organic rice consumption, titled “Healthy Life by Thai Organic Rice,” in collaboration with Thai SELECT-certified Thai restaurants in Frankfurt and Los Angeles. Key importers, local influencers, and media will be invited to attend, while Thai jasmine rice restaurants will receive the Thai SELECT certification to boost awareness of the certification and encourage the consumption of Thai jasmine rice alongside Thai cuisine internationally.
During this period, more than 10 community enterprises and SMEs will participate in two prominent international organic trade fairs: BIOFACH 2025 in Nuremberg, Germany, from February 11-14, and the Natural Products Expo West (NPEW) 2025 in the U.S. from March 4-7. These events will offer opportunities to increase the visibility of Thai rice and facilitate direct access for SMEs to new international markets.
According to Arada Fuangthong, Director-General of the DFT, these trade activities align with the Ministry’s strategy to promote Thailand’s organic rice industry and foster connections with international buyers, particularly in markets that prioritize natural and chemical-free products. The U.S. and European markets play a crucial role in the growth of organic agriculture, with increasing demand for sustainable agricultural products.
In the first 11 months of 2024, Thailand’s organic rice exports reached 20,104 tons, valued at 979 million baht, a 26.68% increase in volume and a 28.82% rise in value compared to 2023. Key export markets include the U.S., Italy, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany, where consumers are increasingly focused on health and environmental sustainability.
