Mr.Somdet Susomboon, Director-General of the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) revealed that the overall export value for Thai food products from January to February 2021 was 164,146 million baht. The top 5 agricultural product exports were 1. Cassava 2. Rice 3. Fresh, chilled, frozen and dried fruit 4. Processed chicken 5. Fresh, cold and frozen chicken while the top 5 agro-industrial product exports led by 1. Canned and processed seafood. 2. Wheat and other processed food 3. Pet food 4. Drink 5. Canned and processed fruits.
As for this year projection, Thai food product exports are speculated to grow 7.1 per cent, fetching 1,050,000 million baht, mainly driven by the surging demand for products in the global market with economic prospects following the COVID-19 rollout in many countries. Also, the rising prices of agricultural and food products, especially chicken products, sugar, cassava and pineapple products, complemented with the compliance of COVID-19 Prevention Measure in food export would contribute to this anticipated growth.
"The latest wave of COVID-19 situation in Thailand continues to rage, not only affecting the lives of the people but also striking all economic sectors. Therefore, it is crucial that Thailand accelerate to boost the confidence among trading partners. DITP, thus, joins forces with partner organizations both public and private sectors in intensifying safety measures in food manufacturing, by launching the COVID-19 Prevention Best Practice for food export among manufacturers, exporters, business operators, raw material suppliers, as well as logistics operators to strictly comply with the standard guidelines," affirmed Mr. Somdet.
To ensure safety, business operators and suppliers related to ingredient shipping from ships and piers must strictly adhere to the following practices.
- Reduce the risk of contamination from ingredients and containers. Business operators and suppliers in shipping fruits and vegetables must control access to the premises, screen and manage employee data as well as data on the freight vehicles, ensure surface cleaning the freight vehicles after each use, while employees need to wear a mask at all times to prevent contamination.
- Strict safety control in manufacturing. Business operators must implement quality and safety controls throughout the production line, from receiving fruits and vegetables, processing and packing in compliance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP). Besides, employees must keep personal hygiene by wearing apron, gloves and facial mask at all times during work. This also includes cleaning and disinfecting the interior of the vehicle containers.
- Control Personal Hygiene and Work Environment at Manufacturing Building
Location and Manufacturing Building: The entrance and exit must be controlled while the manufacturing building, meeting room, cafeteria, changing room and toilets should be properly maintained to reduce congestion. High-efficiency ventilation systems and air filters should be installed in the building. Sanitation: The personal hygiene equipment must be readily available at the work station including a hand washing sink, liquid soap, disinfectant, disposable paper towels and auto lid pedal waste bins, with the clear instructions provided. Cleaning: Machinery, manufacturing buildings, floors, walls, as well as common areas which are prone to contact such as door knobs, handrails, elevator buttons, chairs, dining tables, etc., must be regularly cleaned and disinfected. Personal Hygiene of Workers: Workers must be screened daily before entering the building, collecting information to trace back and must wear a mask at all times. They are also required to wear gloves, shoes, wash hands, maintain social distancing and prevent any contaminations during operation. Training: Employees are trained to protect themselves from COVID-19.
Meanwhile, DITP proceeds to boost global confidence through "Thailand Delivers with Safety" campaign to ensure that manufacturers, exporters, business operators, ingredient suppliers, as well as logistics operators strictly follow COVID-19 Prevention Measures in every procedure. The objective is to retain trust among buyers and trade partners around the world, highlighting Thailand's potential as the major food manufacturer with advanced manufacturing technology that meets international standards from sourcing ingredients, harvesting, transporting, manufacturing with high level of personal safety, packaging to delivering at the consumers' doorstep. Meanwhile, the private sector, particularly, Thai food exporters, shows readiness to fully cooperate in strictly implementing these measures.
Nevertheless, as for the market overview in 2020, Thai food exports generated 980,703 million baht, diminishing 4.1 percent or equivalent to 31,284 million US dollars, or 5.1 percent decrease. Thailand's global market share also shrunk to 2.32 percent from 2.49 percent in 2019 while Thailand ranked 13th among top global food exporters, stepping down from No. 11 in the previous year.
Source: Integrated Communication