Ready-to-Eat Food Set for Steady Growth Through 2026–2028

Source: Nation Thailand Publication Date: November 18, 2025 URL: https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/business/manufacturing/40058409

Thailand’s ready-to-eat food industry is poised for significant expansion, with industry analysts projecting 8-10% annual growth through 2028, driven by changing consumer lifestyles and increasing demand for convenient food solutions.

Market Overview

Current Market Size

• Industry Value: 150 billion THB in 2025
• Annual Growth: 8-10% projected through 2028
• Export Component: 25 billion THB in overseas sales
• Employment: Supports 200,000+ jobs across the value chain

Product Categories

• Rice-based Products: Ready-to-eat rice, rice noodles, and rice dishes
• Meat and Poultry: Pre-cooked meats, sausages, and processed poultry
• Seafood Products: Canned fish, shrimp paste, and ready-to-eat seafood
• Vegetable Dishes: Stir-fried vegetables and vegetable curries
• Snacks and Desserts: Traditional sweets and savory snacks

Growth Drivers

Lifestyle Changes

• Urbanization: Increasing urban population with limited cooking time
• Working Women: Rising female workforce participation
• Nuclear Families: Smaller household sizes preferring convenience foods
• Aging Population: Elderly consumers seeking easy-to-prepare meals

Economic Factors

• Rising Incomes: Middle-class expansion driving premium product demand
• Time Value: Higher opportunity cost of cooking time
• Food Safety: Trust in commercial processing and hygiene standards
• Price Competitiveness: Affordable pricing compared to restaurant meals

Export Opportunities

Regional Markets

• ASEAN Countries: Strong demand in Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia
• Japan and Korea: Premium Thai food products gaining popularity
• Middle East: Halal-certified products for Muslim markets
• Australia and New Zealand: Thai diaspora driving demand

International Standards

• HACCP Certification: Food safety compliance for export markets
• Halal Certification: Access to Middle Eastern and Muslim-majority markets
• Organic Certification: Premium positioning in health-conscious markets
• Traceability Systems: Blockchain-based supply chain transparency

Technological Advancements

Processing Innovations

• Retort Technology: Shelf-stable ready meals with extended shelf life
• Freeze-Drying: Lightweight, long-shelf-life products for export
• Modified Atmosphere Packaging: Extended freshness and quality preservation
• Smart Packaging: QR codes for recipes and nutritional information

Quality Control

• Automated Inspection: AI-powered quality control systems
• Sensor Technology: Real-time monitoring of cooking and packaging processes
• Blockchain Traceability: Complete supply chain transparency
• Food Safety Testing: Advanced laboratory testing and monitoring

Challenges and Solutions

Food Safety Concerns

• Contamination Risks: Implementation of HACCP and food safety management systems
• Allergen Management: Clear labeling and cross-contamination prevention
• Microbiological Control: Advanced sterilization and preservation techniques
• Quality Consistency: Standardized production processes and quality control

Supply Chain Issues

• Raw Material Sourcing: Reliable supply of fresh ingredients and packaging
• Cold Chain Management: Temperature-controlled logistics and storage
• Seasonal Variations: Year-round availability of key ingredients
• Cost Management: Efficient procurement and inventory management

Industry Structure

Key Players

• Large Conglomerates: Major Thai food companies dominating the market
• SME Manufacturers: Small and medium enterprises focusing on niche products
• International Brands: Foreign companies entering the Thai market
• Startups and Innovators: New entrants with innovative products and technologies

Distribution Channels

• Modern Trade: Supermarkets and hypermarkets as primary sales channels
• Convenience Stores: 7-Eleven and other chains for impulse purchases
• Online Platforms: E-commerce and direct-to-consumer sales
• Food Service: Restaurants and food service operators

Consumer Trends

Health and Wellness

• Clean Label Products: Demand for natural and minimally processed foods
• Functional Foods: Products with added health benefits
• Organic Options: Growing preference for organic ingredients
• Low-Calorie Alternatives: Health-conscious product variants

Sustainability Focus

• Eco-Friendly Packaging: Biodegradable and recyclable packaging materials
• Local Sourcing: Preference for locally sourced ingredients
• Carbon Footprint: Environmentally conscious production practices
• Fair Trade: Ethical sourcing and fair labor practices

Investment Opportunities

Manufacturing Expansion

• New Facilities: Investment in modern food processing plants
• Technology Upgrades: Automation and digital transformation
• Capacity Expansion: Meeting growing domestic and export demand
• Product Diversification: New product lines and market segments

Research and Development

• Product Innovation: Development of new ready-to-eat formats
• Flavor Innovation: Fusion of traditional and modern flavors
• Nutritional Enhancement: Fortified and functional food products
• Packaging Innovation: Advanced packaging solutions for convenience

Policy Support

Government Initiatives

• Food Industry Development: Support for food processing sector growth
• Export Promotion: Programs to boost food exports
• Quality Assurance: Food safety and quality certification programs
• Research Funding: Investment in food technology research

Regulatory Framework

• Food Safety Standards: Compliance with Thai and international standards
• Labeling Requirements: Clear and accurate product information
• Import Regulations: Controls on imported ingredients and packaging
• Environmental Standards: Sustainable production requirements

Future Outlook

Market Projections

• 2026 Market Size: 180 billion THB (20% growth)
• 2027 Market Size: 210 billion THB (17% growth)
• 2028 Market Size: 245 billion THB (17% growth)
• Export Growth: 30-35% increase in overseas sales

Emerging Trends

• Plant-Based Products: Growing demand for vegetarian and vegan options
• Personalization: Customized products based on consumer preferences
• Smart Packaging: Interactive packaging with nutritional information
• Delivery Integration: Integration with food delivery platforms

Competitive Landscape

Domestic Competition

• Price Competition: Competitive pricing among major brands
• Product Differentiation: Unique flavors and regional specialties
• Marketing Innovation: Digital marketing and social media campaigns
• Brand Building: Strong brand recognition and consumer loyalty

International Competition

• Global Brands: Entry of international ready-to-eat food companies
• Regional Players: Competition from Vietnamese and Indonesian products
• Quality Standards: Meeting international quality and safety requirements
• Cost Competitiveness: Maintaining competitive pricing in global markets

Social Impact

Employment Opportunities

• Manufacturing Jobs: Direct employment in food processing facilities
• Supply Chain Roles: Logistics, distribution, and retail positions
• Research Positions: Food scientists and product development roles
• Entrepreneurship: Opportunities for small-scale producers and innovators

Nutritional Benefits

• Food Security: Improved access to nutritious and safe food
• Dietary Diversity: Wider variety of food options for consumers
• Health Education: Nutritional information and healthy eating promotion
• Food Waste Reduction: Extended shelf life reducing food waste

Thailand’s ready-to-eat food industry represents a dynamic sector with strong growth potential, combining traditional culinary excellence with modern convenience and meeting evolving consumer needs both domestically and internationally.