Global Food Stockpiling Fuels Thailand Export Hopes for Year-End
The Federation of Thai Industries expects a year-end export boost as global household food stockpiling and seasonal demand from cold-climate countries increase orders for Thai shelf-stable foods. In the first nine months of 2026, Thailand exported 1.28 trillion baht of agricultural and processed food products. The FTI urges exporters to focus on product adaptation, safety standards, and value-added innovation rather than simply expanding capacity for short-term demand.
Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) Chairman Pimjai Leeissaranukul revealed that many countries are encouraging household food stockpiling as part of emergency preparedness for disasters, extreme weather, power outages, supply chain disruptions, and geopolitical uncertainty. This policy has increased household food readiness and stimulated short-term demand for certain food products, which is a positive factor for Thailand as a key global food producer and exporter.
In the first nine months of 2026, Thailand exported agricultural and agro-industrial products worth approximately 1.28 trillion baht — 700.1 billion baht in raw agricultural goods and 579.5 billion baht in processed foods. Although total value declined 4.83% from the same period last year, some high-value categories still grew well, reflecting ongoing global opportunities for Thai food, especially shelf-stable items that require no refrigeration, are ready-to-eat, or need minimal cooking energy, such as canned foods, ready meals, dried fruits, seasonings, and pet food.
"Rising demand from stockpiling may stimulate short-term demand, while year-end seasonal demand from cold-climate countries preparing for winter and New Year festivals further supports foreign orders — an opportunity for Thai producers and exporters to expand orders in the final months," Pimjai said.
She cautioned that the demand surge may be temporary rather than long-term market growth. The private sector should avoid rushing to expand capacity based solely on short-term orders, and instead study each market's needs and adapt products for household stockpiling — focusing on shelf life, package size, ease of opening and consumption, nutritional value, and flexible raw material and inventory management to mitigate risk when household stocks become sufficient.
Another key competitiveness factor is building trust in safety and standards, from Good Agricultural Practices in raw material production to GMP and HACCP manufacturing standards, traceability systems, and environmental and carbon footprint data. Entrepreneurs should also invest in R&D, processing, packaging, food innovation, and branding to move up from raw material sales to higher value-added products.
The FTI is therefore driving the Thailand Food Valley project to link the food chain from upstream to downstream, covering raw material planning, collection and quality sorting, processing, technology and cold storage, standard development and traceability, and domestic and international market connections. Provincial industry councils and agricultural industry institutes will jointly select target products or "Product Champions" aligned with each area's potential.
