Introduction – The Current State of Play: Thailand’s Fresh Coconut Market in 2025
Thailand’s fresh coconut industry is going through a pivotal transformation. In 2025, the market is grappling with a combination of climate-driven disruptions, shifting global demand, and rising competition from neighboring countries and foreign investors. Prolonged droughts and invasive pests have slashed production, sending prices soaring by nearly 100% year-on-year. Meanwhile, Thailand’s heavy reliance on a single export market—China, which absorbs 91% of its coconut exports—has exposed vulnerabilities tied to geopolitical shifts and trade policies.
At the same time, the global appetite for plant-based, organic, and functional foods continues to surge, pushing demand for coconut water, milk, and oil. Thailand, with its distinctive aromatic coconuts like the “Nam Hom” variety, remains a key player in the global coconut trade. But staying agile and informed is more crucial than ever for businesses sourcing from this evolving landscape.
Platforms like Freshdi have emerged as essential tools for buyers, offering real-time insights on RFQ activity, supplier verification, and product availability in a volatile market.
What’s Making Headlines? Key Developments in Thailand’s Fresh Coconut Market
Market Growth Amidst Supply Strains
Thailand’s coconut products market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8% from 2025 to 2031, driven largely by global demand for natural and organic products. Yet, production took a hit in 2024 with output dropping from 0.94 million to 0.86 million tonnes, primarily due to severe droughts and pest outbreaks. This shortage pushed fresh coconut prices to $2.90/kg, nearly doubling from the previous year.
Export Dependence & Logistics Bottlenecks
An overwhelming 91% of exports head to China, making Thailand vulnerable to shifts in Chinese demand or policies. Meanwhile, small-scale farmers struggle to meet international standards due to underdeveloped cold-chain logistics and limited access to packaging technology.
Major Investments & Expansions
- THAI WORLD GROUP is investing over PHP 1 billion in a new Philippine facility to support UHT coconut milk and frozen coconut meat exports to Thailand, the EU, and the US.
- Thai Coconut Public Co. is building a THB 380 million factory in the Philippines to diversify its supply chain and reduce domestic production risks.
- Local giants like Chaokoh and Thai Agri-Food Corporation are innovating with value-added coconut products, including MCT-enriched oils and fortified beverages.
Government-Backed Growth
Thailand’s agricultural sector benefits from government policies promoting HACCP, ISO, and GAP certifications. Exporters also enjoy tax incentives for investments in precision agriculture and high-value products.
Top 5 Verified Fresh Coconut Suppliers in Thailand – July 2025
In a rapidly changing market, finding reliable suppliers is essential. These five companies have emerged as trusted partners based on their export experience, certifications, and positive Freshdi buyer reviews.
1. TRIPLET Fresh CO., LTD.
Known for high-quality tender coconuts, this supplier offers robust export capabilities and consistently meets international standards.
2. MAHAKOON TRADING 789 CO., LTD.
A top-rated exporter of organic coconuts, this company emphasizes GI (Geographical Indication) quality and eco-friendly production.
3. Ermin Management Co., Ltd.
This supplier delivers both bulk and retail-ready coconut products, making them a flexible sourcing option for buyers worldwide.
4. S.F.M. International Trading Co., Ltd.
With extensive reach in Asian and European markets, S.F.M. is valued for its transparent supply chain and consistent quality.
5. Taveephol Product Co., Ltd.
Specializing in innovative coconut-based beverages, this firm is ideal for buyers interested in value-added coconut products.
Dynamic Ranking Note: Rankings on Freshdi are updated regularly based on real-time activity, including RFQ volume, buyer reviews, and seasonal performance. Keep an eye on Freshdi’s “Suppliers of the Month” for the latest top performers.
Market Navigation – Strategic Responses to Thailand’s Coconut Landscape
Opportunities
- Recovery from Climate Disruption: Thanks to La Niña, rainfall has improved supply in 2025, reducing prices to 4–5 baht per piece. Fragrant coconut yields are expected to stabilize.
- Growing Global Demand: Health-conscious consumers are boosting demand for Thai coconut water, milk, and organic products.
- Innovation & Cooperation: Programs like ICC-DOA are helping growers boost yields and efficiency, opening doors for partnerships in sustainable farming.
Challenges
- Persistent Weather Volatility: Even with some recovery, prices for fragrant coconuts remain 40–50% above pre-crisis levels.
- Chinese Vertical Integration: Investments by Chinese firms in Thai processing plants are tightening their grip over the supply chain, potentially squeezing out smaller Thai suppliers.
- Tariff Uncertainty: Potential U.S. tariffs may shift exports further toward China, increasing Thailand’s dependency on a single market.
Sourcing Strategies for 2025 Buyers
1. Choose Certified, Agile Suppliers
Work with GFSI-compliant suppliers who can maintain quality even during supply disruptions. Freshdi lets you filter suppliers based on certifications like HACCP, GMP, and Organic.
2. Diversify Supply Chains
Don’t rely solely on Thailand. Explore cross-sourcing from regional partners like the Philippines or Vietnam. Some Thai firms are already doing this by investing in offshore facilities.
3. Focus on Value-Added Products
With raw coconut prices volatile, investing in fortified coconut milk, MCT oils, or ready-to-drink beverages can offer better margins and market differentiation.
4. Monitor Trade Policies
Stay ahead of potential tariffs and regulatory shifts—platforms like Freshdi provide alerts tied to news-driven RFQ trends.
Short-Term Outlook (2025–2026)
- Supply Stabilization: With favorable weather, fragrant coconut supply should normalize by mid-2025.
- Export Shift to China: If U.S. tariffs rise, Thailand will lean even more heavily on China, increasing geopolitical risk.
- SME Challenges: Smaller producers may struggle to compete unless they innovate or collaborate with larger exporters.
Conclusion – Key Takeaways for Buyers in a Fast-Moving Market
To succeed in sourcing fresh coconuts from Thailand in 2025, businesses must stay nimble and informed. Climate disruptions, shifting trade routes, and competitive pressures from Chinese investors are reshaping the landscape. Yet, Thailand remains a cornerstone of the coconut world, offering premium products and strong infrastructure.
Checklist for Buyers: Navigating 2025 Smartly
✅ Source only from certified, reviewed suppliers on platforms like Freshdi
✅ Watch for “Supplier of the Month” or “Top Weekly Exporters” lists
✅ Diversify sourcing regions to reduce risk exposure
✅ Prioritize value-added products to offset raw material costs
✅ Track RFQ spikes and policy changes via Freshdi’s market intelligence tools
How Freshdi Empowers Buyers
Platforms like Freshdi are more than just supplier directories. They offer:
- Real-time RFQ trend tracking tied to current events
- Verified supplier ratings and certifications
- Market insights tailored to your category and region
- Alerts on new trade developments, price shifts, and top-performing suppliers
In a time of rapid change, making informed, agile decisions is the difference between disruption and dominance.
FAQs
1. Why are fresh coconut prices rising in Thailand in 2025?
Due to prolonged droughts, pest infestations, and aging plantations, Thailand saw a dip in coconut production in 2024. This scarcity has driven prices up by nearly 100% year-on-year in 2025.
2. Which countries are Thailand’s main export markets for fresh coconuts?
China is the dominant buyer, importing 91% of Thailand’s fresh coconut exports. However, new markets like the EU and US are gaining traction despite tariff concerns.
3. How can I find reliable coconut suppliers in Thailand?
Use platforms like Freshdi to access verified suppliers, check certifications, and monitor real-time RFQ trends.
4. What are the biggest challenges for coconut buyers in 2025?
Supply volatility due to climate change, trade policy uncertainty (especially with the US), and rising competition from vertically integrated Chinese firms in Thailand.
5. Are there any niche coconut products gaining traction?
Yes. Value-added items like fortified coconut milk, MCT oils, organic coconut water, and coconut-based health beverages are seeing strong global demand.
References
- 6Wresearch – Thailand Coconut Products Market Outlook
- Mordor Intelligence – Coconut Products Market
- BWorldOnline – Thai Coconut Processor to Invest in Philippines
- The Investor – Thailand Promotes Five Future Industries
- Freshdi Blog – Top 4 Coconut Suppliers in Thailand
- Market Data Forecast – APAC Coconut Milk Market
- Kaohoon International – Thai Coconut Revenue Projections
- Money and Banking Thailand – Thai Coconut Investment
- True Fruits Co. – 2025 Coconut Overview
- GMI Research – Global Coconut Market
