Thailand Celebrates First Thai Fruit Recognised as GI Product in Japan

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Huai Mun Pineapple, a tropical fruit native to Thailand, has been registered as a Geographical Indication (GI) product in Japan, marking a landmark stride in the Asian country's agricultural sector. As disclosed by Thailand’s Deputy Minister of Commerce, Naphinthorn Srisampan, this unprecedented development comes after fruitful negotiations with Yoichi Watanabe, Japan's Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries.

 

This recognition places the Huai Mun Pineapple as the first Thai fruit to achieve a GI status in Japan, showcasing the excellent quality attributed to its geographical origin. The Huai Mun pineapple, revered for its dense, rich honey-toned flesh, sweet aroma, and high nutritional value, is an enticing option for Japanese consumers.

 

Over 850 producers, with an annual production capacity of more than 180,000 tonnes, cultivate this unique variety of pineapple in Thailand, generating a market value exceeding 1.2 billion baht. "It is gratifying to see Huai Mun Pineapple being recognised in Japan, further strengthening our trade relations,”, expressed Deputy Minister Naphinthorn.

 

Japan's pineapple market, favouring fresh and succulent pineapples, is witnessing robust growth. Despite the high domestic consumption of over 180,000 tonnes annually, including processed pineapple products, Japan relies largely on imports. Owing to an unfavourable climate for pineapple cultivation, Thailand ranks as Japan's fourth-largest supplier following the Philippines, Costa Rica, and Indonesia.

 

 

During the recent visit, the Deputy Ministers explored opportunities to increase exports of Thai fruits and vegetables to Japan. They also delved into strategies that could enhance agricultural trade between the two nations, such as protecting geographical indications jointly. "The economic partnership agreement between Thailand and Japan provides a platform to negotiate additional trade benefits for agricultural products, including pineapples from Thailand,” noted Naphinthorn.

 

While there, Naphinthorn observed operations and trade processes at the OTA Wholesale Market, Japan's largest fresh produce market. Armed with insights into space management and agricultural product auctions, the Deputy Minister expressed the potential benefits of these practices for Thai farmers and retailers. He emphasised, "Observing the operations at OTA Wholesale Market allows us to improve our agricultural marketing strategies and further expand the reach of Thai produce in Japan.”

 

This recognition of the Huai Mun Pineapple's GI status not only verifies the product's exceptional quality but presents the gateway for other Thai agricultural products to gain traction in global markets. This development signifies immense potential for economic growth and illustrates a beneficial strengthening of Thai-Japanese trade relations.

 

File photo for reference only

 

-- 2024-11-13