The European Union (EU) officially awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) certificate for “Ratchaburi Aromatic Coconut” at THAIFEX 2026, highlighting its unique sweet fragrance and supporting Thai agricultural products to expand into 27 member countries.
On 29 May 2026, the European Commission held a ceremony to present the GI registration certificate within the European Union (EU) to Thailand’s “Ratchaburi Aromatic Coconut” product, following the EU’s official registration announcement on 18 February 2026. This marks a significant milestone for Thai GI products to expand into the EU market, covering 27 member countries with over 450 million consumers. The certificate presentation took place at THAIFEX–ANUGA ASIA 2026, with Dr. Kirida Peopijit, Assistant Minister of Commerce, and Mr. Weerapong Prapa, Thai trade representative, attending as witnesses.
Mrs. Ornmon Sapthaweetham, Director-General of the Department of Intellectual Property, appointed Mr. Wiroj Jongklawanitsuk, Deputy Director-General, to represent the department and lead Ratchaburi aromatic coconut farmers to join the GI certificate presentation ceremony at the EU Pavilion during the global food and beverage trade show THAIFEX - Anuga Asia 2026. This celebrated a major achievement for Thai GI products, showcasing the potential of uniquely Thai agricultural goods on the international stage while strengthening trade relations and intellectual property cooperation between Thailand and the EU.
At the event, Mr. Christophe Hansen, European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, delivered a statement praising “Ratchaburi Aromatic Coconut” for its high quality and distinctive characteristics that set it apart from other aromatic coconuts. He noted its pandan-like fragrance and natural sweetness, attributes resulting from geographical factors including the fertile soil of the Mae Klong river basin, the tropical climate influenced by the Tenasserim mountain range, and the centuries-old farming wisdom passed down by Ratchaburi farmers. He emphasized that GI is not just a certification mark but a symbol reflecting the story, identity, craftsmanship, and lifestyle of the producer community through the product’s true quality and origin.
On this occasion, Dr. Kirida Peopijit, Assistant Minister of Commerce, stated that “Ratchaburi Aromatic Coconut” is Thailand’s fifth GI product officially registered in the European Union. She credited this success to close collaboration between the Ministry of Commerce’s Department of Intellectual Property, farmer and producer groups in Ratchaburi, relevant government agencies, and the European Commission.
The cooperation involves the Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development (DG AGRI) and the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO). This partnership is a key mechanism to promote uniquely Thai agricultural products in European consumer markets. The Ministry of Commerce and the Department of Intellectual Property are committed to leveraging GI registrations to generate real economic value, in line with policies to stabilize and enhance the value of agricultural goods led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Ms. Supachai Sutthumpun. Efforts include market awareness, supply chain development, buyer connections, and maintaining premium product status sustainably in the EU market. Plans also include continuous promotion of Thai GI registrations abroad to expand market opportunities and increase value for Thai distinctive products worldwide, thereby creating further trade opportunities.
Following this, the formal presentation of the EU GI registration certificate for “Ratchaburi Aromatic Coconut” took place. Representatives of the producers and entrepreneurs, including Mr. Narongsak Chuensuchon, Chairman of the Ratchaburi Provincial Industry Council, and Managing Director of NC Coconut Co., Ltd., received the certificate from Mr. Christophe Hansen, European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food. The ceremony was warmly received by attendees from Thailand and abroad, including the EU Ambassador to Thailand, the Irish Ambassador to Thailand, representatives from the Irish Whiskey Association, and officials from various public and private agencies from multiple countries.
Mr. Wiroj Jongklawanitsuk, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Intellectual Property, added that the department is dedicated to continuous cooperation with the European Union to promote Thai GI products in international markets and to ensure that farmers and local communities fully benefit from the GI system. The GI registration of “Ratchaburi Aromatic Coconut” in the EU is a significant step that elevates Thailand’s local specialty products and proudly opens opportunities for Ratchaburi farmers to introduce internationally certified goods to more than 450 million consumers in the EU.
Currently, Thailand has registered 27 foreign GI products from 10 countries, including 12 GI products from EU member countries such as Champagne (France), Grana Padano cheese (Italy), and Irish whiskey (Ireland). Meanwhile, 11 Thai GI products have been registered abroad in 33 countries, including five GI products registered in EU member states: Thung Kula Rong Hai Hom Mali Rice (from Roi Et, Yasothon, Surin, Maha Sarakham, and Sisaket), Doi Tung Coffee (Chiang Rai), Doi Chang Coffee (Chiang Rai), Sangyod Rice from Phatthalung, and the recently registered Ratchaburi Aromatic Coconut as of February.
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