Thailand's Ministry of Commerce has launched eight key measures to support longan growers across eight northern provinces, like Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Chiang Rai, Phayao, Lampang, Tak, Phrae, and Nan, after a bumper harvest of 1.06 million tons during the 2025 season, up from 947,140 tons the previous year, as reported by Bangkokbiz. Favourable cool weather boosted flowering and yields, prompting authorities to act swiftly to distribute 950,000 tons of produce this season.
The measures include orchestrating fresh longan exports to global markets and promoting domestic consumption through the Thai Fruits Festival 2025. The ministry will partner with major retailers like Makro, Lotus, and Big C to purchase directly from farmers, and encourage a pre-order system supported by CSR initiatives to secure continuous demand. Standardised packaging will be provided in collaboration with Thailand Post to streamline distribution.
Further actions include establishing business matching agreements with dried longan processors and farmer groups, offering longan as gifts at gas stations to broaden retail reach, and exploring innovative channels. Notably, opportunities have been created for fruit juice smoothies sold through "Flying Turtle" vending machines and inclusion in Thai Air Asia's food and beverage offerings onboard. These comprehensive strategies aim to stabilise prices, support growers, and ensure market access during this high-yield season.
Source: Bangkokbiz
