BANGKOK, Thailand – Demand for Thai dried and preserved fruits is rising in China, creating new opportunities for export expansion and market penetration.
Deputy Government Spokesperson Anukool Pruksanusak reported that Chinese consumers increasingly prefer Thai dried fruit products, citing confidence in their quality and innovative processing methods aligned with Thai government policies on agricultural exports. According to iiMedia Research, China’s dried and preserved fruit market was valued at 146 billion yuan or 720 billion baht in 2023, marking a 32.6% increase. Projections suggest that by 2028, the market will reach 335 billion yuan or about 1.75 trillion baht.
Consumer preferences are driven by health-conscious choices, with 82% prioritizing nutritional benefits and 80.6% focusing on ingredient transparency, preferring low-sugar, additive-free, and low-calorie options. Online shopping has become the dominant purchasing channel, with 81.4% of consumers buying online and 77.6% still opting for physical stores.
Between January and October 2024, China imported more dried fruits from Thailand than any other country, with imports valued at 125.64 million US Dollars or 4.3 billion baht, a 10.22% increase. Other key suppliers included Chile, Vietnam, the United States, and France, though their export values remained significantly lower.
The Chinese e-commerce market continues to drive sales, with Taobao, Tmall, Pinduoduo, and Jingdong among the most recognized platforms. Establishing online storefronts on these platforms presents a strategic opportunity for Thai dried fruit producers to further expand their presence in the Chinese market. (NNT)
