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Over the three years from 2021 to 2023, the value of the domestic market for ready-to-eat food will gradually rise.

During 2027–2029, domestic sales volume of ready-to-eat (RTE) food is expected to grow by an average of 2.8–3.8% annually,

During 2026–2028, Thailand’s domestic sales volume of ready-to-eat foods is expected to expand by an average of 2.3–3.3% annually.

Sales of ready-to-eat food will increase through 2022-2024. The domestic market, the main source of income for the industry, will be buoyed by sales of instant noodles, as weak spending power encourages consumers to turn to low-cost foods. Sales of chilled and frozen food are also expected to rise with the spread of modern trade outlets, of which are the main distribution channel. In addition, ongoing urbanization is also encouraging consumers to adopt lifestyles that place a greater premium on convenience and speed, which will naturally translate into stronger sales of ready-to-eat meals.

, the market should bounce back to growth over 2024 to 2026 and the forecast is thus for sales to the domestic market to expand by 3.0-4.0% annually on (i) general economic growth and the positive impacts of this on consumer purchasing power; (ii) an expansion in sales made through modern trade outlets; (iii) the development of new product lines, with healthier options likely to be especially important; and (iv) an uptick in economic activity that will boost sales of goods that are easy to consume.

Over 2022 to 2024, overall income for the Thai beverage industry will rise in step with the improving outlook for the domestic market since this is the industry’s main source of income. The continuing impact of COVID-19 on domestic consumer spending power meant that the value of goods distributed to the market in 2021 continued the decline that began in 2020, but over the next 3 years, domestic sales will rebound to growth on the back of economic recovery and a revival in the tourism sector

For 2026–2027, demand is expected to rise gradually in line with the slow recovery of both the Thai and global economies.

Industry Outlook 2021-2023: Modern Trade

Industry Outlook 2023-2025: Modern Trade