Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormFrozen
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product (preserved by freezing)
Raw Material
Market
Frozen strawberry in Thailand is an import-dependent market segment, with imports heavily concentrated in a single origin (China) in recent UN Comtrade/WITS-reported years. Domestic strawberry cultivation is concentrated in the northern highlands (notably Chiang Mai) with a harvest season that runs across the cool season into early hot season, which supports limited local raw material availability for freezing. Thailand also exports a smaller volume of frozen strawberries, indicating niche processing/repacking capability alongside heavy reliance on imports. Cold-chain integrity and Thai FDA import licensing/labeling compliance are decisive for market access and continuity.
Market RoleImport-dependent consumer and processing market with niche exports
Domestic RoleLimited highland production supports seasonal domestic supply, but national frozen supply is largely supported by imports
Market GrowthMixed (2022–2023 (reported trade values))import value broadly stable while import quantity increased
SeasonalityChiang Mai strawberry production is seasonal: planting in late Aug–Oct and harvesting Nov–Apr (following year), supporting seasonal domestic raw material availability for freezing.
Specification
Primary VarietyPhrachatan 80 (พระราชทาน 80)
Secondary Variety- No. 329
- Phrachatan 50
- Phrachatan 60
- Phrachatan 70
- Phrachatan 72
Physical Attributes- For domestic production references, fruit maturity at harvest is described using color change toward pink-red (often harvested before full deep-red for handling).
Compositional Metrics- Soluble solids (°Brix) is cited in provincial reporting as a sweetness indicator for Chiang Mai strawberry variety references.
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Imports: origin freezing/packing → reefer transport into Thailand → customs/FDA clearance → cold storage → distributors → foodservice/retail
- Domestic: Chiang Mai highland farms → sorting/pre-cooling → freezing/packing → cold storage → distribution to consumption centers
Temperature- Codex quick-frozen cold-chain reference temperature is -18°C or colder for storage and distribution of quick frozen foods.
Shelf Life- Cold-chain temperature fluctuations (partial thaw and refreeze) are a known quality-loss mechanism for frozen products and drive claims/returns risk.
Freight IntensityHigh
Transport ModeMultimodal
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighThailand requires a Thai FDA importer license to import food for sale, and Thai-language labeling compliance is enforced for imported processed foods; non-compliance can result in detention or seizure, disrupting or blocking market entry.Secure Thai FDA importer licensing, confirm whether the product is a controlled food requiring label permission, and apply compliant Thai labels (where required) prior to shipment arrival.
Logistics MediumFrozen strawberries are cold-chain dependent; temperature abuse and reefer disruption during multimodal transport can cause quality loss, claims, and potential disposal, especially during high ambient temperatures and port/land-border delays.Specify Codex-aligned frozen temperature controls (-18°C or colder), use validated reefer settings/monitoring, and build buffer time for customs inspections.
Supplier Concentration MediumThailand’s frozen strawberry imports are highly concentrated by origin (China dominant in recent reported years), increasing exposure to origin-side supply shocks, logistics bottlenecks, or policy disruptions.Pre-qualify secondary origins and maintain multi-supplier contracts for continuity planning.
Standards- GMP system evidence referenced by Thai FDA for food importation (e.g., GMP 420 context for food products)
- HACCP-based controls aligned with Codex quick-frozen handling guidance (commonly used as buyer assurance for frozen foods)
FAQ
Which countries supply most of Thailand’s frozen strawberry imports?UN Comtrade data presented via WITS shows Thailand’s HS 081110 frozen strawberry imports are dominated by China in recent reported years. For example, in 2023 Thailand imported about USD 13.89 million (about 9.13 million kg) from the world, with China accounting for about USD 13.57 million (about 9.03 million kg); in 2022 China similarly dominated Thailand’s imports.
What are the minimum documents Thai Customs may require for import clearance (red line shipments)?Thai Customs lists these minimum documents for high-risk (red line) import clearance: Import Declaration, Bill of Lading (or Air Waybill), Invoice, Packing List, Import License (if applicable), Certificates of Origin (if applicable), and other relevant documents such as catalogues/product ingredients.
Does Thailand require a license to import frozen strawberries for sale?Yes. The Thai FDA states that a food importer must obtain a license to import food for sale under the Food Act, B.E. 2522 (1979), and importers may need to provide product quality details and evidence of a manufacturing system standard (e.g., GMP-related documentation) as applicable.