The Department of Intellectual Property announced the registration of the “7-Color Lobster of Phuket” (Phuket Lobster) as a new Geographical Indication (GI), emphasizing its premium quality and the nickname “Foie Gras of the Sea,” generating over 65 million baht annually for the province.
On 5 Feb 2026 GMT+7, Mrs. Oramon Subthaveetham, Director-General of the Department of Intellectual Property, revealed that the registration of the “7-Color Lobster of Phuket” is the fourth GI product of Phuket, following Phuket pineapple, Phuket buffalo orange, and Phuket pearl. This marks another step forward in elevating local premium fishery products, securing their reputation and origin systematically. The 7-Color Lobster of Phuket is an economically important product and a longstanding symbol of Phuket’s culinary tourism.
Mrs. Oramon further stated, The uniqueness of Phuket’s 7-Color Lobster comes from the geography surrounded by the rich Andaman Sea, with ideal salinity and constantly flowing tides influenced by the rise and fall of sea levels. This environment provides the lobsters with abundant natural nutrients and requires them to continually move with the currents, resulting in firm and thick muscle mass. Combined with the farmers’ knowledge who raise them in cages and supplement their diet with local high-calcium shellfish, lobsters shed their shells fully and grow strong.
These lobsters have large bodies weighing at least 500 grams, with a hard thick head shell, long strong antennae, smooth abdominal segments without cross grooves, fan-shaped tails, and bodies that are green or sea blue with brown or black cross stripes. The head shows scattered orange spots, and the overall body displays at least seven colors, such as green, orange, blue, purple, pink, cream, and black.
The lobster meat is firm, clear, tender yet springy, sweet in flavor, rich in roe, and has no fishy odor. It is popular both raw as sashimi and cooked by grilling or baking, maintaining a soft, chewy texture without toughness.
Phuket’s 7-Color Lobster is a product with high market potential and strong consumer demand. Its average annual production is 21,670 kilograms, with prices reaching up to 3,000 baht per kilogram, generating over 65 million baht in economic value yearly. Due to its quality and long-established reputation, it has earned the nickname “Foie Gras of the Sea.” It was also selected as one of the dishes served at the APEC 2022 Economic Leaders’ Meeting and is recognized by Michelin-starred restaurants and luxury hotels both domestically and internationally.
Mr. Pawarat Rajarak, also known as Gopan, an entrepreneur and owner of the 7-Color Lobster floating farm in Phuket, expressed pride that the lobster received GI registration. He believes this is a great opportunity to elevate local products to international standards, increasing value and credibility. This builds consumer confidence in the quality and origin, positively impacting tourism and food business development in the area, strengthening and providing sustainable income for Phuket’s fishing communities.
The Department of Intellectual Property will continue to promote quality control systems for the 7-Color Lobster GI product to maintain consistent production standards. This will assure both Thai and international consumers that they are enjoying high-quality lobsters directly from Phuket’s production sources.
Additionally, the department will collaborate with local agencies to support food tourism and push the product into premium markets, continuously driving community economic growth.