Tesco UK

Thai fruit exports will get a boost soon with the sponsorship of retail chain Tesco at a London store launch this Friday.

Tesco has been using its international supply network to export Thai fruit and vegetables for some time but the retailer is planning to boost volumes 30 per cent this year.

Exports via Tesco will hit 228,000 tonnes in 2009, worth THB1.6bn (US$58.3m), according to the retailer.

The ‘Healthy and Tasty from Thailand’ initiative a cooperation between the Thai Department of Export Promotion, part of the Ministry of Commerce, Tesco Plc and Asian subsidiary Tesco Lotus. It will be launched at Tesco’s Kensington store on 5 June.

Tesco has flown in 50 tonnes of Thai mangoes, longan, rambutan, mangosteen, lychee and dragon fruit for the event.

“This campaign underlines our commitment to boost exports from Thailand,” said Tesco chairman David Reid earlier this year, on announcing the company intended to double Thai produce exports.

“The country has great potential and it is one of the best places in the world for tropical fruits and vegetables. I am delighted that we are able to help raise the awareness of our customers about top quality farm produce from Thailand and we do hope that more and more Thai produce will be made available in our stores in the coming future.”

Tesco Lotus said aside from the UK and Europe, exports through the retailer’s network to the rest of Asia were forging ahead.

“Our export volumes to China, South Korea and Malaysia are steadily increasing,” Tesco Lotus chairman Sunthorn Arunanondchai said.