Introduction – Thailand’s Soft Drinks Market by the Numbers
Thailand has quietly become an export powerhouse in the global soft drinks industry. In 2023 alone, the country exported 2.54 billion liters of beverages, raking in USD 2.78 billion. Even more impressive? A staggering 93.3% of these exports were non-alcoholic drinks, underscoring Thailand’s dominance in the soft drink segment.
Why does this matter to you as a buyer or distributor? Because the soft drinks market is more competitive than ever. Making decisions based on gut feeling is risky. In today’s data-driven world, aligning with high-performing, verified suppliers can make or break your supply chain. That’s where platforms like Freshdi come in—streamlining supplier verification, analyzing RFQ trends, and identifying top exporters.
Let’s explore the latest trends, uncover the top 3 soft drink suppliers in Thailand for August 2025, and show you how to leverage market intel to buy smarter.
Deep Dive – Key Production, Export Statistics & Current Demand Data
Production Capacity and Export Power
Thailand is not just a big consumer—it’s a prolific producer. Out of 409 beverage production sites in the country, 349 are dedicated to non-alcoholic drinks. That’s 85% of the industry focusing on soft drinks, bottled water, and juices.
In 2023:
- Export Volume: 2.54 billion liters of beverages
- Export Value: USD 2.78 billion
- Soft Drink Share: 93.3% of volume, 84.6% of value
Thailand’s biggest markets include:
- Cambodia – 19%
- Vietnam – 14.3%
- China – 11.9%
- United States – 11.5%
- Myanmar – 10%
Domestic Trends and Market Demand
The domestic thirst for soft drinks is equally strong. In 2023, Thailand consumed 13.02 billion liters of beverages, with non-alcoholic drinks making up 10.6 billion liters. Bottled water led the pack, but carbonated drinks held a solid 24% market share.
What’s driving this boom?
- Hot Weather – El Niño caused prolonged heatwaves, boosting drink consumption.
- Marketing Blitzes – Companies heavily invested in Gen Z-focused campaigns.
- Post-COVID Rebound – Restaurants and cafes reopened, stimulating demand.
Freshdi Insight: On Freshdi, RFQ activity for Thai soft drinks rose 11% in Q2 2025 compared to the previous quarter, especially from importers in Southeast Asia and the Middle East. This mirrors the broader export trends and confirms real-time market interest.
Top 3 Verified Soft Drinks Suppliers in Thailand – Leading Exporters by Volume
Based on export volume, certifications, Freshdi reviews, and global visibility, these are the Top 3 Soft Drinks Suppliers in Thailand in August 2025:
1. T.C. Pharmaceutical Industries Co., Ltd.
If you’ve heard of Red Bull, you already know T.C. Pharma. They’re the original creators of the energy drink that went global. But their portfolio doesn’t stop there—they’re also massive players in the soft drinks market.
Why they’re top-ranked:
- Global reach with consistent export volumes
- ISO and HACCP certified
- Strong presence in ASEAN, Europe, and the US
- High buyer satisfaction on Freshdi
2. Akane Group
Akane Group is known for its premium fruit-based soft drinks, often found in health-focused retail chains.
Why they’re top-ranked:
- Strong demand from Middle Eastern and East Asian importers
- Known for organic and preservative-free beverages
- Fast-growing in the RTD (Ready-To-Drink) niche
3. Chaiyo International Trade Co., Ltd.
Chaiyo is a rising star with a focus on sparkling juices and flavored sodas.
Why they’re top-ranked:
- Rapid expansion into African and South American markets
- Custom packaging and private-label services
- Verified supplier with consistent 5-star reviews on Freshdi
Dynamic Ranking Note
Keep in mind—supplier performance can fluctuate based on seasonal demand, export volumes, and buyer feedback. Platforms like Freshdi update “Suppliers of the Month” or “Top Exporters by Quarter”, offering real-time snapshots of who’s leading the market.
Market Navigation – Statistical Trends, Price Insights & Export Dynamics
Domestic Demand Spikes
Between September 2022 and August 2023, Thailand’s soft drink market grew by 16%. That wasn’t just a fluke—it was the fastest growth in five years. Why?
- Prolonged hot weather from El Niño
- Reopening of restaurants and cafes
- Youth-oriented marketing efforts
Companies like Thai Drinks pumped millions into music events and social media campaigns, targeting Gen Z consumers who crave both flavor and aesthetics.
Export Dynamics and Regional Disruptions
Not all is smooth sailing, though. While domestic growth is strong, exports face headwinds:
- Cambodia & Myanmar: Demand dropped due to economic struggles and increased local competition.
- Myanmar Transport Ban: Starting May 2025, soft drinks can no longer be transported via land into Myanmar. Only sea routes are allowed, raising logistics costs.
- China’s Sugar Syrup Ban: In early 2025, China banned imports of Thai sugar syrup due to hygiene issues, costing Thai firms nearly USD 60 million.
Seasonal Price Fluctuations
Weather plays a big role in pricing. During Thailand’s summer (March–June), soft drink prices often spike due to surging demand. Importers can reduce costs by placing bulk orders in the cooler months (November–February).
Freshdi Insight: Historical pricing data available on Freshdi shows that average export prices per liter were 7–10% lower in Q4 2024 compared to Q2 2025. Smart buyers use this trend to time their purchases.
Conclusion – Leveraging Data for Informed Procurement
Thailand’s soft drink industry is a global force, backed by:
- Massive production capacity
- Strategic export destinations
- Resilient domestic demand
But navigating this market isn’t just about knowing who’s out there. It’s about knowing who’s performing. Verified supplier data, RFQ trends, pricing history—these aren’t just nice to have, they’re essential.
That’s where Freshdi shines. With real-time supplier insights, verified certifications, and dynamic rankings, the platform helps you make smarter, faster, and safer buying decisions.
Key Takeaways
- Thailand exported 2.54 billion liters of beverages in 2023; soft drinks led the charge.
- T.C. Pharmaceutical, Akane Group, and Chaiyo International are the top soft drink exporters in August 2025.
- Seasonal demand and export restrictions affect pricing—plan ahead.
- Use tools like Freshdi for supplier verification, market trends, and RFQ insights.
Smart Buyer Checklist – Soft Drinks Sourcing from Thailand
✅ Look for suppliers with verified certifications (ISO, HACCP)
✅ Cross-check export volume and buyer reviews on Freshdi
✅ Plan purchases around seasonal price dips
✅ Monitor trade policy updates (e.g., bans, tariffs)
✅ Evaluate packaging options for your target market
Future Outlook: What’s Next for Thai Soft Drinks?
The Thai soft drinks sector is expected to grow 3.5–4.5% annually through 2027. Health-conscious drinks, sparkling fruit beverages, and energy drinks continue to lead innovation.
Meanwhile, geopolitical shifts and transport bans will reshape trade routes. Buyers who stay informed and agile—especially through platforms like Freshdi—will come out on top.
FAQs
1. Why is Thailand a major player in soft drink exports?
Thailand has a robust manufacturing base and low production costs. Combined with regional trade alliances and high-quality standards, it’s a go-to source for soft drinks.
2. How does Freshdi help me as a buyer?
Freshdi provides verified supplier data, real-time RFQ trends, and export analytics. It’s like Bloomberg for B2B sourcing—only friendlier and easier to use.
3. Are soft drink prices from Thailand stable?
Not always. Prices fluctuate based on weather, global sugar prices, and logistics costs. Using trend data on Freshdi helps you time your purchases smartly.
4. Which soft drinks are trending in exports from Thailand?
Sparkling fruit juices, energy drinks, and herbal-infused sodas are gaining traction—especially in Middle Eastern and Asian markets.
5. Can I request samples or private labeling from Thai suppliers?
Yes! Many top exporters on Freshdi offer sampling, private labeling, and OEM services. Just check the supplier profile and send an RFQ.
References
- Krungsri Research – Beverage Industry Outlook 2025–2027
- Bangkok Post – Hot Spell Spurs Soft Drink Sales
- Reuters – Thai Firms Suffer $60 Million Loss
- IndexBox – Sugary Soft Drink Export Market 2024
- The Thaiger – Myanmar Soft Drink Import Ban
- PubbarAsia – Industry Outlook 2024–2026
- Freshdi – Verified Supplier Listings
