Food Processing and Packaging Equipment
Thailand
Overview
(US$ million)
2004 2005 2006 (estimated)
Total Market Size 557 696 704
Total Local Production 279 297 380
Total Exports 60 74 84
Total Imports 338 473 408
Imports from the U.S. 24 26 22
Note: The above statistics are unofficial estimate and average exchange rate is $1:36 Baht
The market for food processing and packaging equipment was approximately $700 million in 2005 of which $408 million was imported. The market is expected to grow less than 5 % in 2007 and the imports are expected to be $415 million. The major reason for the slow growth is due to political unrest, rising oil prices and major flooding in central area. However, growth in the mid-term is expected to grow by average of 20% again for the next few years.
Major supplier for food processing and packaging equipment in 2006 are Germany, Japan, Italy and the U.S. Germany shared 36%. Japan shared 15%. Italy shared 11. The
U.S. suppliers shared about 5 percent of the total imported market in 2006. U.S. food processing and packaging equipment is famous for its quality, durability, operability and easy maintenance, however the price is generally higher than competing products from countries such as Japan and the EU countries. Most Thai users of food processing equipment will start their business using Taiwanese or Italian machinery and, once established, upgrade to U.S. products.
• At present, most major food giants, such as Frito-Lay, Kellogg’s, Dole, Del Monte, Nestle, Ef-fem Foods (Subsidiary of Mars U.S.A.), Procter & Gamble and Ajinomoto use Thailand for their processing and distribution centers for the Southeast Asian market due to the abundant supply, and
competitive prices, of all major agriculture products.
Best Prospects/Services
The best sales prospects for U.S. food processing and packaging equipment include:
Packaging machinery and supplies Food and drink processing equipment Cooking or heating food machinery Fruit, vegetable and herb processing equipment
Snack foods and confectionery equipment Meat processing equipment
Resources
The 14th ProPak Asia 2007 June 13-16, 2007 Venue Bangkok International Trade Exhibition Center Organized by Bangkok Exhibition Services Ltd. 62 Soi Rama6 soi 30, Rama 6 Road Samsennai, Phayathai Bangkok 10400, Thailand Tel: 662-617-1475 Fax: 662-271-3223 or 662-617-1406 Website: www.propakasia.com Email: propak@besallworld.com
US Embassy Contact Pramot Wongvarnrungruang Commercial Specialist Tel: 662-205-5273 Fax: 662-255-2915
Email Address: Pwongvar@mail.doc.gov