The Department of Internal Trade in Thailand sees a golden year for fruit

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. ...