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Thai exotics return to US market
Thailandia
domenica 06 aprile 2008
Thai fresh produce exporters have begun shipments to the US following the end of a ban on Thailand-sourced fruit in July last year, but many producers admit they still face a tough task establishing their products on the US market.
Pineapple, mango, mangosteen, longan, lychee and rambutan shipments have resumed in the wake of the lifting of the ban, and Thailand's Agriculture Ministry has claimed that fresh produce exports to the US could reach 20,000 tons a year in the medium term.
Soonthorn Sritawee from leading Thai exporter River Kwai International told Newsline that the company has already carried out a commercial trial of mangoes, shipping two containers in February. "We're aiming to ship at least one container (around 15 tons) of mangoes and one container of longan every week for the duration of the season," said Mr Sritawee.
However, Vipavee Vachcharakorn of tropical fruit exporter Vachamon Foods warned pricing could be an issue. "The high price of Thai exotics will be a major obstacle when it comes to making a purchasing decision," he said.
Pineapple, mango, mangosteen, longan, lychee and rambutan shipments have resumed in the wake of the lifting of the ban, and Thailand's Agriculture Ministry has claimed that fresh produce exports to the US could reach 20,000 tons a year in the medium term.
Soonthorn Sritawee from leading Thai exporter River Kwai International told Newsline that the company has already carried out a commercial trial of mangoes, shipping two containers in February. "We're aiming to ship at least one container (around 15 tons) of mangoes and one container of longan every week for the duration of the season," said Mr Sritawee.
However, Vipavee Vachcharakorn of tropical fruit exporter Vachamon Foods warned pricing could be an issue. "The high price of Thai exotics will be a major obstacle when it comes to making a purchasing decision," he said.
