UK retail giant Tesco aims to double its vegetable, fruit and meat exports from Thailand to its global network to Bt23.4bn (US$718.5m) worth over the next five years, The Bangkok Post has reported.
The retailer's sourcing manager for Asia and Oceania, Johnathan Sutton, said the value of Thai exports to the Tesco network worldwide was expected to reach Bt11.7bn (US$359.3m) this year, of which Bt6.3bn (US$193.4m) are fresh produce exports.
The retailer aims to fuel this growth with its new stores in China, Korea, Japan and Malaysia, and with its new joint venture hypermarkets in India. At the moment Thai fruit, vegetables and meat are exported to the Tesco group in 14 countries.
'There is still bright potential for Thai vegetables, fruits, chicken and prawns abroad. The popularity of Thai fruits has increased every year because customers have found that Thai fruits are indeed very healthy and tasty,' said Mr Sutton.
Thai products also sell well in Tesco stores in the UK, with consumers showing strong demand for fresh purple orchids.
Five hundred of Tesco's UK supermarkets are staging their annual Thailand produce promotion this month, to increase consumer awareness of the country's exotic fruit range.
