Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormFresh
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Raw Material
Market
Fresh lemongrass (takrai) is a staple culinary herb in Thailand with broad year-round domestic demand across household cooking and foodservice. Thailand also supplies fresh herbs to export markets, where shipment success depends heavily on consistent trimming quality, cold-chain discipline, and importer-specific phytosanitary requirements. Export programs are typically organized through aggregators/packhouses that consolidate from farms, standardize presentation, and manage documentation. The most frequent trade constraints are SPS-related (quarantine pest concerns and pesticide-residue compliance) and logistics volatility for time-sensitive shipments.
Market RoleDomestic consumption market with established export activity (fresh herb supplier)
Domestic RoleCore ingredient in Thai cuisine and foodservice; also used for fresh herb beverages/infusions and as an aromatic.
Market Growth
SeasonalityGenerally available year-round; short-term supply fluctuations are driven by local weather, field conditions, and logistics capacity rather than a single national harvest window.
Specification
Primary VarietyCymbopogon citratus (culinary lemongrass; Thai "takrai")
Physical Attributes- Fresh, intact stalks with strong citrus aroma; minimal bruising or mechanical damage
- Clean, well-trimmed appearance with low tolerance for decay, mold, or excessive leaf browning
- Moisture management to avoid dehydration (wilting) and condensation-related spoilage
Grades- Buyer specifications commonly define stalk length/diameter, trimming standard, and defect tolerance for export cartons.
Packaging- Bulk export cartons (often lined) designed to limit dehydration while allowing ventilation
- Bundled or retail packs for modern trade; bulk packs for foodservice and export consolidation
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Farm harvest → field trimming → collection/aggregation → packhouse sorting & standardization → packing → pre-cooling/cold storage (as required) → export consolidation → air/sea/land shipment → importer distribution
Temperature- Chilled handling and minimized time-at-ambient are important to slow yellowing, moisture loss, and decay during export transit.
Atmosphere Control- Pack ventilation and humidity control help reduce condensation-driven spoilage while limiting dehydration.
Shelf Life- Shelf life is highly sensitive to dehydration and handling damage; faster transit and strong cold-chain discipline improve arrival quality.
Freight IntensityHigh
Transport ModeMultimodal
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighFresh lemongrass exports can be blocked or severely disrupted if shipments fail importing-country SPS requirements (quarantine pest concerns) or pesticide-residue limits, leading to border rejection, destruction, or supplier delisting.Confirm destination import conditions before contracting; implement IPM and strict pre-harvest intervals; run residue testing aligned to target-market MRLs; standardize packhouse SOPs and conduct pre-shipment document and quality checks.
Logistics MediumAir-freight capacity constraints and rate volatility can disrupt shipment planning and profitability for time-sensitive fresh herb exports from Thailand.Lock freight allocations in advance during peak periods; develop alternative routings (land/sea where feasible); optimize pack formats and carton weights to reduce chargeable freight.
Climate MediumFlooding, heat stress, and dry-season water constraints can cause short-notice yield and quality variability in Thai herb production, impacting supply continuity and uniformity.Diversify sourcing across multiple production areas and farm clusters; use irrigation planning and field drainage practices; maintain flexible packing schedules and buffer inventory for export programs.
Documentation Gap MediumDocument inconsistencies (weights, pack counts, consignee/import permit references, origin claims) can trigger customs holds or delays that materially reduce arrival freshness for chilled herbs.Use a standardized exporter document checklist; reconcile carton counts and net weights against invoices and transport documents; pre-validate certificate of origin claims before issuance.
Sustainability- Pesticide stewardship and residue-risk management in fresh herb supply chains (MRL-driven input discipline)
- Water stewardship for irrigated herb production during dry-season periods
- Packaging waste considerations for fresh herb retail/export packs
Labor & Social- Seasonal and migrant labor due diligence (fair recruitment, contracts, wage practices) in agricultural harvesting and packhouse work
- Worker health and safety in pesticide handling and packhouse operations
Standards- GLOBALG.A.P. (commonly requested by export buyers for fresh produce programs)
- Packhouse-level HACCP/ISO 22000 (buyer-driven in some channels)
FAQ
What documents are commonly needed to export fresh lemongrass from Thailand?Common documents include a commercial invoice, packing list, and transport document (air waybill or bill of lading). A phytosanitary certificate is often required when the importing market requires it for fresh plant products, and a certificate of origin is used when claiming preferential tariffs under applicable trade agreements.
What is the biggest reason fresh lemongrass shipments get delayed or rejected at the border?The biggest risk is SPS non-compliance—especially quarantine pest concerns and pesticide-residue limits—which can lead to border rejection or destruction. Strong IPM practices, destination-specific compliance checks, and pre-shipment testing and documentation controls help reduce this risk.