The Modern Age Fruit Trade Association (MAFTA), based in Chanthaburi, Thailand, is a regional trade body established to support, promote, and regulate the export of Thai fresh fruits, particularly in the eastern provinces of the country. The association plays a central role in connecting Thai fruit growers and exporters with international buyers, while ensuring quality standards, regulatory compliance, and smooth cross-border logistics—especially for trade with China, one of Thailand’s largest fruit export markets.
Organizational Overview
MAFTA operates as a collective representing hundreds of Thai fruit exporters and packhouses. Its primary mission is to enhance Thailand’s global reputation as a premium supplier of tropical fruits by improving transparency, quality assurance, and trade facilitation.
Chanthaburi, where the association is headquartered, is Thailand’s fruit capital, contributing significantly to the country's overall production of tropical fruits such as durian, mangosteen, rambutan, and longan.
Core Functions
- Export Coordination: Facilitates coordinated export operations between growers, packhouses, and logistics providers.
- Trade Policy Advocacy: Represents member interests in discussions with Thai government agencies such as the Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Agriculture.
- Quality Standardization: Supports adherence to phytosanitary requirements, grading systems, and packaging regulations.
- Cross-Border Logistics: Partners with Chinese and ASEAN authorities to streamline customs, inspection, and transport procedures.
- Digital Trade Management: Encourages the adoption of digital traceability and QR code systems for export validation and transparency.
Thailand’s Fruit Export Context
Thailand is one of the top global exporters of tropical fruits. According to the Ministry of Commerce:
- In 2023, Thailand exported over 1.7 million tons of durian, valued at more than $6.1 billion USD, primarily to China.
- Chanthaburi province alone contributed approximately 60% of Thailand’s durian exports.
- MAFTA-affiliated members account for a substantial share of these shipments through official channels such as the Youyi Guan border gate in Pingxiang, China.
MAFTA plays a role in organizing shipments through approved inspection facilities and monitoring protocols to ensure fruit exports meet Chinese customs and food safety standards.
International Collaboration
MAFTA has been instrumental in fostering stronger fruit trade relations with the Chinese government. According to reports from China Daily (2024), MAFTA participated in bilateral agreements that enhanced durian import quotas and promoted cold-chain infrastructure development in Guangxi province.
The association collaborates with logistics companies, customs agencies, and Chinese wholesalers to reduce delivery times and ensure fruit freshness during transit.
Trade Facilitation Milestones
- Over 3,000 MAFTA-supervised shipments processed annually through land checkpoints to China
- Facilitated training and compliance workshops for 500+ packhouse operators on phytosanitary standards
- Advocated for and supported the launch of digital QR-based origin tracking systems for Thai fruits in 2022
- Participated in government-led campaigns promoting Thai fruit in Chinese e-commerce platforms such as JD.com and Pinduoduo
Certifications and Quality Compliance
Though MAFTA itself does not own production assets, it plays a supervisory and support role in helping members achieve and maintain the following:
- GAP (Good Agricultural Practice) Certification
- GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) for packing facilities
- Phytosanitary Certification issued by the Department of Agriculture, Thailand
- Digital Export Documentation linked with Chinese CIQ systems
Strategic Importance
MAFTA's operations are critical to sustaining Thailand’s position as the world’s largest exporter of durian and a top supplier of mangosteen, rambutan, and longan. By promoting standardized operations and fostering relationships across borders, the association helps ensure a reliable supply of Thai fruits into premium Asian markets.
Stakeholder Testimonials
“MAFTA has been a key partner in building confidence among Chinese importers. Their coordination helped reduce border inspection delays significantly.”
— Senior Official, Guangxi CIQ, China
“Thanks to MAFTA’s support, our packhouse achieved full GAP compliance and expanded into three new export markets in 2023.”
— Director, Thai Fruit Exporter (Chanthaburi)
Major Achievements
- Played a pivotal role in achieving a record-breaking durian export year in 2023
- Helped implement digital traceability for over 200,000 tons of fresh fruit exports
- Recognized by Thailand’s Department of International Trade Promotion for excellence in export facilitation
- Hosted international trade delegations and buyers at the Chanthaburi Fruit Festival, promoting Thai fruit to global markets
Modern Age Fruit Trade Association continues to be a crucial enabler of Thailand’s growing fresh fruit export sector, ensuring that Thai produce meets global standards while strengthening ties with international trade partners.