Bangkok: The Department of Internal Trade has announced the successful distribution of 90% of fruits from the Eastern region.
According to Thai News Agency, the department collaborated with various partners to achieve this distribution milestone, although it acknowledged that the fruit prices this year have decreased compared to the previous year. The department is now preparing to handle the upcoming influx of northern longans and southern durians, set to hit the market next month.
Mr. Witthayakorn Maneenet, Director-General of the Department of Internal Trade, provided insights into the fruit production management in the Eastern region. This year saw a 15% overall increase in production, with some fruit types experiencing a 20% rise. For the past four months, the department has worked alongside partners to ensure a smooth transition of products from production sites to distribution points. Beginning in March, partnerships with department stores were established to create distribution channels for premium fruits. Later, provincial commerce mechanisms worked with local entrepreneurs to spread fruits across provinces. In early May, the Thai Fruit Festival 2025 was launched by the Prime Minister, promoting exports to foreign markets. The department also collaborated with both public and private sectors to facilitate distribution through initiatives such as Blue Flag stores. Recently, the 'Si Mum Muang Thai Fruit Fest 2025' was held at the Si Mum Muang Market in Pathum Thani Province from J une 12-15.
This concerted effort resulted in the distribution of over 90% of Eastern region fruits, marking a successful collaboration despite the lower average fruit prices compared to last year. As the current fruit season in the Eastern region concludes, the department is gearing up for the southern fruit season. The Director-General also discussed the anticipated large production of longans in the North and ongoing efforts with Chiang Mai and Lamphun provinces to distribute fresh fruit and expand export markets to new territories like India, alongside existing markets such as China. In collaboration with the Thai Frozen Food Association, plans are underway to extend the shelf life of longans and explore processing options like drying. For southern fruits like durians, contingency plans include exporting chilled and frozen products to the European market.