Why Thailand is a Global Hub for Food Manufacturing & Export

Thailand has long established itself as a global powerhouse in the food industry. As one of the world’s largest food exporters, the country is known for its high-quality products, diverse agricultural resources, and commitment to international food safety standards. From coconut milk and canned fruits to sauces, snacks, and plant-based innovations, Thailand’s food manufacturing sector continues to grow and adapt to meet global demand.

Thanks to a combination of natural advantages, modern production capabilities, strategic location and strong trade networks, Thailand remains a strategic partner for businesses sourcing food products. If you’re a distributor, importer, or private label brand looking for a trusted food company in Thailand, this article will guide you through the country’s strengths and introduce you to one of its leading exporters—Erawan Food.

Why Thailand is a Top Food Exporter

Thailand’s reputation as a food export leader is no accident. The country has built a well-rounded ecosystem that supports both small-scale producers and industrial food manufacturers with the tools to compete globally.

Strategic Location & Ideal Climate

Located in the heart of Southeast Asia, Thailand enjoys a tropical climate and fertile land, making it one of the best regions in the world for cultivating key ingredients like coconut, tropical fruits, rice, and herbs. With access to abundant raw materials year-round, Thai food manufacturers can maintain a consistent supply of high-quality produce.

Advanced Food Processing Industry

Thailand’s food manufacturing sector is highly developed. The country is home to state-of-the-art processing facilities that comply with international food safety certifications, including:

• IFS (International Featured Standards)
• BRC (British Retail Consortium)
• GHPs (Good Hygiene Practices)
• Thailand Trust Mark by the Ministry of Commerce

These standards not only support product safety and consistency but also make it easier for Thai companies to export to Europe, the United States, the Middle East, and Asia.

Strong and Growing Export Market

As of the latest trade data, Thailand exports food products to over 170 countries, making it one of the world’s top food-exporting nations. According to Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce, the country’s food export value exceeded 1.3 trillion baht in recent years, with key markets including:

• Japan (approximately 15% of total exports)
• China
• The United States
• Vietnam
• The United Kingdom and the EU

This export strength is driven by Thailand’s ability to supply diverse, high-quality products in bulk quantities, with full traceability and documentation that meet international regulatory requirements.

Key Products Exported by Thai Food Companies

Thai food manufacturers offer a wide range of export-ready goods tailored to global tastes and dietary trends. Here are some of the most in-demand categories:

Coconut Products

Thailand is a leading supplier of coconut milk, coconut cream, and coconut water. These products are used in traditional cuisines, vegan recipes, and plant-based beverages worldwide.

Canned Fruits & Vegetables

One of Thailand’s strongest export segments, canned fruit includes:

• Mango
• Rambutan
• Lychee
• Jackfruit
• Longan
• Banana
• Mangosteen
• Sweet corn
• Baby corn
• Toddy palm’s seed

These products are popular for their shelf stability, tropical flavor profiles, and versatility in both retail and foodservice applications.

Plant-Based & Vegan Products

With the rise of health-conscious and flexitarian consumers, Thailand’s food exporters have expanded into vegan alternatives, including:

• Vegan tuna
• Banana blossom and jackfruit meat substitutes
• Coconut-based dairy alternatives

These innovative products serve international markets looking for sustainable, nutritious, and convenient plant-based foods.

What to Look for in a Thai Food Manufacturer

When choosing a food company in Thailand to partner with, quality and compliance should be top priorities. Here’s what to evaluate:

Certifications & Quality Assurance

Ensure the manufacturer is certified under major global standards such as BRC, IFS, GHPs, and preferably carries the Thailand Trust Mark. These ensure food safety, ethical labor practices, and consistent quality.

Export Experience

Look for a company with a proven track record in international shipping and the ability to provide customs documentation, ingredient transparency, and compliance with destination-country regulations.

OEM & Private Label Flexibility

If you are building your own brand, the manufacturer should be able to offer custom packaging, product development, and white-label solutions suited for retail or foodservice. This includes different formats (canned, pouch, UHT), fat contents, or flavor variants.

Production Capacity & Lead Times

The best partners offer bulk production capabilities, reliable sourcing of raw materials, and fast turnaround times—even during seasonal demand peaks.

Why Choose Erawan Food

If you’re searching for a trusted food company in Thailand, Erawan Food is a name that stands out for its longevity, product quality, and global reputation.

Established Experience

With over 70 years of experience, Erawan Food is one of Thailand’s most respected food exporters. The company specializes in:

• Coconut milk and coconut cream (standard, light, and high-fat options)
• Canned tropical fruits and vegetables
• Plant-based ingredients and private label solutions

Export Leader for Canned Rambutan

Erawan Food is Thailand’s No.1 canned fruit exporter for rambutan, serving major international supermarkets, wholesalers, and foodservice distributors.

Global Reach

With exports to over 50 countries, Erawan Food offers a well-established global distribution network. Whether you’re in Europe, North America, the Middle East, or Asia, Erawan Food has the logistics infrastructure to deliver fast, fresh, and compliant products.

OEM and Private Label Services

Erawan Food provides customizable solutions for private label brands, including branding, packaging formats, fat content variations, and export documentation support.

Fast, Reliable Delivery

The company’s efficient production and export shipping processes enable it to fulfill bulk orders with delivery as fast as 15 days* (terms and conditions apply).

As the global demand for high-quality, safe, and versatile food products continues to grow, Thailand remains one of the most reliable sources for food manufacturing and export. Backed by world-class infrastructure, certifications, and agricultural resources, Thailand is well-positioned to support the needs of importers, food brands, and retailers worldwide.

If you’re looking to partner with a dependable food company in Thailand, Erawan Food offers unmatched expertise in coconut milk, canned fruits, and private label solutions.

Explore our range of food products and let’s discuss how we can support your business growth.

Visit erawanfood.com or contact us today to start the conversation.