The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) showcased the results of organizinga durian buffetin Hong Kong, receiving overwhelming consumer response due to the wide selection of durian varieties available, including Kan Yao, Monthong, Chanee, Puangmanee, Long Laplae, and Nual Thong Chan. The mango sticky rice with durian was the most popular. Many tried it for the first time and loved it. Restaurants plan to make it an annual menu item. Promotion by KOLs and influencers improved the Thai durian image and boosted consumption.
Ms. Sunanta Kangvalkul, Director-General of the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), Ministry of Commerce, revealed that she has instructed trade ambassadors stationed worldwide to rapidly expand markets for Thai products and strengthen SMEs in online markets, following the policy of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Ms. Supawee Sutthumpun. Recently, a report was received from Ms. Pankarn Jiamsuchon,
Director of the Foreign Trade Promotion Office (FTPO) in Hong Kong, regarding the success of the durian promotional activities held jointly with Thai restaurants and key opinion leaders (KOLs) and influencers. The campaign built a positive image for Thai fruit, stimulated consumption in Hong Kong, and expanded sales channels during the fruit season, achieving its goals.
The trade ambassador reported thata durian buffetwas organized to attract families, young people, working adults, and new consumers to create an impressive experience and an opportunity to showcase durianvarietiesso consumers could taste various durians and then choose their favorites atsupermarketsor general fresh markets in Hong Kong.
Regarding the durianbuffet event,it was held at the Thai restaurant Thaiology in two sessions, accommodating over 70 consumers per session, offering manydurian varietiessuch as Kan Yao, Monthong, Chanee, Puangmanee, Long Laplae, and Nual Thong Chan. Activities were also held with Thai SELECT restaurants featuring a special menu (Dessert of the Week) where Thai SELECT restaurants presented durian-based desserts like mango sticky rice with durian to attract consumers to enjoy durian in diverse forms.
The participating Thai SELECT restaurants included: 1. APINARA Thai Cuisine and Bar, Shop 205, Level 2, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty; 2. Nara (Tsim Sha Tsui), Shop 3302, 3/F, Gateway Arcade, Harbour City, 3-27 Canton Road, TST; 3. Nara (Shatin), Shop 507, 5/F, New Town Plaza Phase I, 18-19 ShaTin Centre Street, Shatin; 4. Wong Chun Chun, B/F – 1/F, Bel Shine Centre, 23 Tak Ku Ling Road, Kowloon City; 5. Aroi Thai, Shop G07, G/F, Temple Mall North, 136 Lung Cheung Road, Wong Tai Sin.
"At this event, the special mango sticky rice with durian menu attracted great interest. Many consumers tried durian in this form for the first time and really liked it. Restaurant management said they will offer mango sticky rice with durian regularly every year and may experiment with other special durian desserts such as durian lod chong and durian bua loy to serve consumers," Ms. Sunanta said.
Ms. Sunanta added that for promoting Thai fruit through KOLs and influencers such as Ms. Vivian Chan and Snappy, the trade ambassador reported that there was active promotion to educate Hong Kong consumers about Thai durian to encourage consumption of various durianvarieties,which helps extend the consumption period of Thai durian since each variety has a different harvest season. The durian buffet event offered multiplevarieties,includingKan Yao, Monthong, Chanee, Puangmanee, Long Laplae, and Nual Thong Chan, giving consumers a chance to taste.As a result of the promotional efforts, wide awareness of Thai durian was created, reaching over 349,043 target consumers. Thai durian has a good image among existing durian fans and has attracted new consumers, especially teenagers. Hong Kong consumers are increasingly familiar with diverse Thai durian varieties, supporting exports for farmers and exporters from all regions. Offering special menus like mango sticky rice with durian in Thai SELECT restaurants promotes durian consumption in diverse ways, introducing novel options to consumers and Thai restaurants, and supports long-term growth of Thai durian exports.
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For more information, please contact the Department of International Trade Promotion, Ministry of Commerce, at 1169 or visit the websitewww.ditp.go.thand follow international trade opportunities via the THAITRADE.COM platform. When thinking of export, think of DITP.
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