Thailand’s fruit season ends with prices going bananas

Thailand’s fruit season is wrapping up this year with a notable surge in prices for durian, mangosteen, rambutan, longkong, and mango. The successes of this year’s fruit season are attributed to the preparations made in advance.

Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan announced that the Department of Internal Trade (DIT) has closely monitored fruit production and pricing for 2024.

The season’s end has seen a rise in prices across all fruit categories, marking a successful outcome attributed to the 2024 fruit management plan. This plan included six key measures and 25 specific initiatives aimed at enhancing the fruit market.

Preparations for the season began well in advance. After assuming office, Pichai intensified efforts to widen the domestic market, promote exports to new regions, and encourage the processing of produce to add value.

The result has been a prosperous season for Thai farmers who have benefited from high prices and increased income.

Pichai has directed the DIT to prepare measures ahead of next year’s fruit season. These measures will focus on boosting production and processing, expanding both domestic and international markets, enhancing trade efficiency, facilitating trade, and implementing legal measures.

Once these measures are finalised, discussions will be held with relevant government agencies and the private sector to proactively integrate them into the 2025 fruit management plan.

Eastern Thailand has already concluded its fruit season, with improved prices reported across all categories. In the south, the season is nearly over with 98.6% of the durian crop harvested. Northern Thailand is also nearing the end of its season, with mango production already complete.

From January to August 2024, Thailand exported 1.4 million tonnes of fresh fruit, valued at 150 billion baht.

China remains the primary export market due to its strong purchasing power and increased imports. Other potential markets such as South Korea, Hong Kong, and Malaysia have also recorded a rise in imports of fresh Thai fruit, reported Bangkok Post.