The Thai Fresh Fruit Traders and Exporters Association (TFFTEA), headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand, is a key industry body dedicated to enhancing Thailand’s position as a global leader in fresh fruit exports. Representing a coalition of growers, traders, and exporters, the association works to promote Thai fruit in international markets, improve industry standards, and advocate on behalf of its members.
Core Role and Function
TFFTEA serves as a vital bridge between Thailand’s fruit producers and international markets, fulfilling the following core functions:
- Trade Facilitation: Coordinating and supporting fruit export activities through logistical, regulatory, and marketing assistance.
- Industry Representation: Advocating policy interests of exporters to government and international trade bodies.
- Quality Enhancement: Promoting good agricultural practices, post-harvest handling, and compliance with export standards.
- Market Expansion: Facilitating new international trade partnerships and market entry strategies.
The association operates under the supervision of the Thai Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, aligning national trade policy with global export goals.
Product & Service Offerings
TFFTEA’s members engage in the export of:
-
Fresh Fruits:
- Durian
- Longan
- Mangosteen
- Mango
- Banana
- Rambutan
-
Processed Fruits:
- Dried fruits (e.g., dried mango, longan)
- Frozen fruits for culinary and industrial use
-
Export Support Services:
- Trade matchmaking
- Logistics coordination
- Export documentation and compliance support
- Quality assurance advisory
The association also helps members improve packing, branding, and traceability systems aligned with destination country requirements.
Specialization & Core USP
TFFTEA’s unique positioning includes:
- Nationwide Member Network: Comprising exporters, cooperatives, and traders from all major fruit-producing regions in Thailand.
- Export-Oriented Strategy: Focused on expanding Thailand's footprint in China, Europe, the Middle East, and ASEAN.
- Brand Collaboration: Supports the promotion of multiple Thai fruit brands such as Canman, Summer Fest, Thai Best, Beauty, and Boxer in international exhibitions.
Their expertise in seasonality, logistics, and export requirements makes them an essential partner for global buyers seeking Thai fruits.
Industry Insights & Export Data
According to data from the Thai Ministry of Commerce and supported by the association:
- Thailand exported over 1.2 million tons of fresh durian in 2023.
- China accounts for nearly 90% of durian exports, followed by Vietnam, Hong Kong, and Malaysia.
- Export value of Thai fresh fruits exceeded USD 5 billion in 2023.
- TFFTEA plays an active role in coordinating with Chinese customs and quarantine bodies to streamline durian and mango exports.
These figures underscore the strategic economic contribution of TFFTEA’s membership base.
Target Market
- Importers and Wholesalers seeking bulk fruit procurement.
- Supermarket Chains and Retailers sourcing branded or private label tropical fruits.
- Food Processing Companies requiring frozen or dried fruits.
- Logistics and Export Service Providers looking for industry partnerships.
The association also supports matchmaking between Thai exporters and international buyers through digital trade platforms and trade fairs.
Capabilities
- Trade Negotiation: Liaison with ASEAN, Chinese, and EU trade authorities.
- Traceability Promotion: Supports integration of QR code systems and blockchain for fruit traceability.
- Training Programs: GAP (Good Agricultural Practices), GHP, and logistics handling.
- Seasonal Export Planning: Advises members on harvest cycles and market readiness.
Through these capabilities, TFFTEA ensures that Thai fruit remains competitive and compliant globally.
Certifications & Compliance
TFFTEA assists members in securing and maintaining:
- GAP (Good Agricultural Practices)
- GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices)
- Phytosanitary Certification
- Organic Certifications (when applicable)
- Country-Specific Import Compliance (e.g., China GACC registration)
The association ensures that member companies align with evolving international food safety and regulatory standards.
Key Leadership
- Mr. Sanchai Puranachaikere – President
- Miss Gulanat Gongmanee – Association Representative
- Mr. Nithinan Nitithananwong – Committee Executive
Their leadership is instrumental in forming trade policy responses and coordinating inter-agency dialogues.
Notable Achievements
- Successfully lobbied for the approval of more Thai durian packing houses by China’s GACC.
- Coordinated Thailand’s presence in Asia Fruit Logistica, THAIFEX – Anuga Asia, and Fruit Attraction in Europe.
- Contributed to the development of electronic traceability systems for mango and longan supply chains.
- Partnered with government agencies to launch promotional campaigns for Thai fruit in high-potential markets.
The Thai Fresh Fruit Traders and Exporters Association remains at the forefront of enhancing Thailand’s position in global fruit trade, ensuring competitiveness, compliance, and coordinated growth across the industry.
