International Food Industry of Thailand Dominates Global Marketplaces with Elite Products
Thailand's food industry is making waves in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond, as evidenced by the country's participation in the largest food and beverage trade exhibition in APAC - THAIFEX -- Anuga Asia 2025. This event symbolises Thailand's transformation from traditional cuisine to cutting-edge food manufacturing excellence.
The Thai SELECT Programme: A Mark of Excellence
One of the key drivers of Thailand's success in the food industry is the Thai SELECT programme. Launched by the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) in 2001, this quality assurance programme is synonymous with authentic Thai culinary experiences worldwide.
The Thai SELECT programme operates through a sophisticated four-tier restaurant certification system, with Thai SELECT 3 Stars representing the pinnacle of excellence. Today, 862 restaurants across 40 countries proudly display the Thai SELECT certification, with 7 achieving the coveted 3-star status, 140 earning 2 stars, 570 holding 1 star, and 145 operating under the casual category.
In 2012, the Thai SELECT programme expanded to certify food products, responding to growing global demand for authentic Thai ingredients and ready-to-consume items. As of now, 965 Thai food products from 109 companies carry the Thai SELECT certification, encompassing various categories like curry pastes, seasonings, snacks, beverages, and desserts.
A World-Class Food Manufacturing Ecosystem
Thailand's food manufacturing sector has evolved into a sophisticated ecosystem capable of producing world-class products across multiple categories. The essence of Thainess in food extends beyond aromatic curries and street food, embodying a philosophy of balance, harmony, and meticulous attention to quality.
The diversity of Thailand's food exports showcases the industry's comprehensive capabilities. Fresh fruit for consumption led the export categories in 2023, but Thailand's food industry extends beyond fresh produce to encompass processed foods, frozen products, and innovative food technologies that meet evolving global consumer demands.
Sustainability and Innovation
The continued evolution of the Thai SELECT programme, including its ongoing rebranding initiative to enhance global recognition, represents Thailand's commitment to maintaining the highest standards of culinary authenticity whilst embracing innovation.
Moreover, the integration of sustainable practices has become increasingly important, with many Thai food manufacturers adopting environmentally responsible production methods. This commitment to sustainability is a testament to Thailand's forward-thinking approach to food manufacturing.
Boosting Export Performance
The success of Thai SELECT-certified products has contributed significantly to Thailand's export performance. International buyers have found confidence in the product authenticity and quality, leading to a notable increase in Thailand's food exports.
In the first nine months of 2024, Thailand's food exports reached 1.16 trillion baht, marking a notable 4.6% increase despite global economic challenges. This impressive figure underscores Thailand's position as one of the world's leading food exporters.
Cultural Diplomacy through Food
The Thai SELECT programme exemplifies Thailand's innovative approach to cultural diplomacy, using food as a vehicle to promote the nation's soft power globally. By showcasing Thailand's unique identity - Thainess - through its food, the country is able to connect with people around the world on a deeply personal level.
In conclusion, Thailand's food industry has evolved into a world-class industry, showcasing the nation's unique identity-Thainess. The continued growth and success of the Thai SELECT programme are testament to Thailand's commitment to maintaining the highest standards of culinary authenticity whilst embracing innovation.
