Introduction – Current State of Play: The Coffee Bean Sector in Thailand
Thailand’s coffee scene is brewing with change — and fast. As of Week 20 of 2025, the country’s coffee bean market is undergoing a massive shake-up. From shifting trade policies and climate challenges to booming demand for specialty brews, stakeholders in the coffee value chain are navigating a dynamic landscape.
Just last year, Thailand’s domestic coffee production dropped significantly due to erratic weather and a trend of farmers switching to alternative crops. The result? A looming shortfall and a projected import of 80,000 tonnes of coffee beans in 2025 to meet local demand. This sets the stage for an unprecedented reliance on imports and a reshuffling of market dynamics.
For businesses sourcing coffee beans in Thailand, agility and market awareness are more than just nice to have — they’re survival tools. And platforms like Freshdi have become indispensable, offering real-time supplier verification, RFQ (Request for Quotation) trend tracking, and market intelligence tailored to the pace of change.
Let’s dive deeper into what’s shaping Thailand’s coffee bean market and who the top players are in Week 20 of 2025.
Deep Dive – Breaking News: Critical Updates & Their Effects
Declining Domestic Production, Soaring Imports
Thailand’s domestic coffee production has taken a hit. In 2023, total output fell to just over 15,600 tonnes — 10,682 tonnes of Arabica and 4,969 tonnes of Robusta. The reasons? A mix of harsh weather, aging plantations, and farmers opting for more profitable crops.
To bridge the gap, Thailand is importing more coffee than ever — an estimated 80,000 tonnes in 2025 alone. This shift is a wake-up call for supply chain managers to diversify sourcing and anticipate pricing volatility.
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Market Growth Despite Production Pain
Interestingly, while supply struggles, demand is booming. The Thai coffee market grew by 7.34% in 2023, reaching a whopping 34.5 billion baht. Instant coffee leads the charge, making up 84% of that value, while fresh coffee accounts for 16%. Convenience and iced coffee trends are driving this growth.
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Price Hikes Hitting Consumers
As of February 2025, prices of instant and ready-to-drink coffees have increased. Instant coffee rose by 5%, and ready-to-drink went up by about two baht per unit. The culprits? Rising global production costs and climate-induced supply chain bottlenecks, especially in Brazil and Vietnam.
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Local Chains Are Booming
Café Amazon sold 400 million cups in 2024 and now has nearly 5,000 outlets. Café Phunthai, the up-and-coming competitor, saw a 116% revenue boost in the same year and plans to overtake Amazon by 2028. The café war is heating up — and it’s fueling bean demand like never before.
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Specialty Coffee On the Rise
The specialty coffee segment is turning heads, growing at 25% annually and worth over 2 billion baht. Beans in this category fetch 60% more than standard Arabica. Big players are moving in, and there’s a push toward sustainable sourcing and branding.
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Top 4 Verified Coffee Bean Suppliers in Thailand – Relevant in the Current Climate
For businesses looking to lock in quality and reliability, here are the top 4 coffee bean suppliers in Thailand for Week 20 of 2025. These suppliers are vetted based on export history, certifications, Freshdi reviews, and adaptability to the current landscape.
- BBN Thailand Trading
- Specializes in Doi Chang Arabica beans from Northern Thailand
- Known for ethical sourcing and sustainable practices
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High ratings from global buyers on Freshdi
- Focuses on artisanal dark roast Robusta
- Based in Wang Nam Khiao, with a strong domestic and export presence
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Offers consistent quality and small-batch freshness
- Imports 100% Vietnamese Robusta beans, roasted locally for Thai and export markets
- Popular among buyers seeking price-performance balance
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Offers both green and roasted beans
- A diversified supplier offering both Arabica and Robusta varieties
- Works with multiple farms across Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai
- Strong logistics support and multilingual buyer assistance
Dynamic Ranking Note: Rankings of top suppliers can change weekly based on real-time buyer feedback, RFQ trends, and shipment activity. Platforms like Freshdi offer dynamic “Supplier of the Month” features to track top performers.
Market Navigation – Strategic Responses to The Prevailing Coffee Bean Landscape in Thailand
Opportunities for Coffee Buyers and Brands
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Tap into Specialty Demand: The specialty market is growing at 25% annually. Brands that can offer traceable, high-quality beans with a story to tell will thrive. Think single-origin, organic, and shade-grown options.
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Ride the Café Boom: With local chains expanding rapidly, there’s a rising need for bulk supply contracts. B2B buyers can position themselves as key suppliers to these chains.
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Export Growth to Leverage: Thailand’s coffee exports climbed 15.6% in 2023. If you’re a Thai producer or roaster, now is the time to explore new export markets.
Risks to Watch
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Production Bottlenecks: Domestic bean shortages will persist. Be ready to pivot to imports or blend local with foreign beans.
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Climate Instability: Weather-related production shocks are becoming the norm. Consider diversifying sourcing regions or investing in climate-resilient varieties.
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Consumer Spending Squeeze: With inflation biting, many consumers are opting for cheaper options. Premium-priced products may see slower growth unless they offer clear value.
Sourcing Strategy Tips
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Go Local Where You Can: Arabica from Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai is still a strong bet, especially for products targeting the “Thai premium” segment.
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Import Smart: Work with suppliers like SUNISA KANKA to access robust Vietnamese options and mitigate cost spikes.
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Sustainability Matters: Buyers are increasingly asking about carbon footprint, fair wages, and eco-certifications. Suppliers who check these boxes will have an edge.
Short-Term Outlook
The Thai coffee market is expected to grow at 6.68% annually through 2029. But short-term volatility will persist due to climate and economic pressures. Success will depend on how quickly businesses can adjust their sourcing and product strategies in response to real-time data — something platforms like Freshdi are built to support.
Conclusion – Key Takeaways for Businesses in a Rapidly Evolving Market
Thailand’s coffee bean landscape in 2025 is a tale of contrasts. On one side, you’ve got declining local production and rising import needs. On the other, a booming café culture and specialty coffee explosion are pushing demand sky-high.
For businesses sourcing coffee in Thailand, here are the key takeaways:
- Stay Data-Driven: Use tools like Freshdi to track RFQ trends, supplier ratings, and pricing shifts.
- Diversify Wisely: Mix local and import sources to balance cost, quality, and risk.
- Go Green and Premium: Sustainable, specialty products are the future — and they bring better margins too.
- Adapt Fast: The market is changing weekly. Agile sourcing and smart forecasting will separate the winners from the rest.
By staying informed and leveraging platforms that offer real-time insights, businesses can turn these market disruptions into strategic opportunities.
Checklist for Coffee Bean Buyers in Thailand (2025 Focus)
✅ Verify supplier certifications on B2B platforms like Freshdi
✅ Monitor RFQ and pricing trends weekly
✅ Source specialty beans for premium product lines
✅ Diversify sourcing between Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, and imports
✅ Focus on sustainable and traceable supply chains
✅ Watch for café chain partnerships and bulk supply opportunities
Future Outlook: What’s Brewing Next?
Looking ahead, Thailand’s coffee market will continue to evolve rapidly. Expect:
- More investment in specialty processing and branding
- Tech-driven traceability and smart farming
- Growing consumer demand for sustainable and ethically-sourced beans
- Continued volatility in global coffee prices
Platforms like Freshdi will remain crucial, acting as the control tower for buyers navigating this ever-changing market — providing verified supplier lists, trend alerts, and sourcing insights in real-time.
FAQs
1. Why is Thailand importing so many coffee beans in 2025?
Due to a drop in domestic production caused by climate issues and crop switching, Thailand is projected to import up to 80,000 tonnes of coffee beans this year.
2. What types of coffee beans are most popular in Thailand right now?
Instant coffee still dominates, but specialty Arabica beans from northern Thailand and imported Vietnamese Robusta are gaining popularity fast.
3. How can I verify if a Thai coffee supplier is trustworthy?
Use platforms like Freshdi which offer supplier verification, buyer reviews, and export histories.
4. Are specialty coffee beans really worth the higher price?
Yes. They not only offer better flavor profiles but also command premium pricing and attract eco-conscious consumers.
5. What’s the biggest risk in sourcing coffee from Thailand in 2025?
Supply instability due to climate and economic pressures. Diversify sourcing and stay updated via market platforms to mitigate risk.
References
- Thailand to Import 80,000 Tonnes of Coffee in 2025
- Thai Coffee Prices Increase Due to Global Pressures
- Thailand Coffee Market Report 2023
- Specialty Coffee Sector Booms in Thailand
- Café Amazon and Café Phunthai Rivalry
- TPN National on Specialty Coffee Growth
- The Thaiger on Coffee Market Trends
- Kasikorn Research on Climate Impacts
- Wikipedia on Coffee in Thailand
- Freshdi B2B Coffee Supplier Listings
