Thailand's pet food industry is strong, with exports in 2025 valued at over $3.28 billion, growing 8.15%. The Ministry of Commerce is pushing Thailand to become the world's top exporter of dog and cat food.
On 28 October 2026, Surin Sunthornsanan, Deputy Director-General of the Department of International Trade Promotion at the Ministry of Commerce, announced at the opening of Pet Fair South East Asia 2026 at BITEC, Bangkok, that Thailand's pet food industry continues to have growth potential. In 2025, Thailand's pet food exports exceeded $3.28 billion, an 8.15% increase from the previous year, reflecting the competitiveness of Thai businesses in the global market.
The Ministry of Commerce aims to position Thailand as the world’s leading exporter of dog and cat food by focusing on supporting Thai entrepreneurs, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to access foreign markets, utilize free trade agreements, and expand trade opportunities through international buyer networks.
A key platform supporting this goal is Pet Fair South East Asia 2026, held for the fifth time from 28-30 October 2026. This year features about 450 exhibitors from 35 countries, approximately 70% of whom are international businesses, and aims to welcome over 12,500 business visitors from more than 80 countries.
This large gathering provides Thai producers the opportunity to meet directly with importers, distributors, and brand owners from various countries, especially in the pet food sector where Thailand has strong manufacturing capabilities. This can lead to moving beyond contract manufacturing toward developing their own brands and higher-value products.
The event showcases a comprehensive range of pet industry products and technologies, including pet food and nutrition, health care products, lifestyle accessories, machinery, production technologies, packaging, and contract manufacturing services for various brands.
Duangdet Yuwankhadi, CEO of VNU Asia Pacific Co., Ltd., a co-organizer, said this year's fair focuses not only on participant numbers but also on creating quality business opportunities, particularly connecting buyers and producers, business matchmaking, and presenting innovations that can open new markets, helping Thai and international businesses grow together.
Additionally, the event includes seminars on pet food production technology, nutrition, and global market trends, as well as the Pet Innovators Pitch for showcasing new ideas and products, and a Business Matching Program that enables entrepreneurs to schedule trade talks with suitable partners in advance.
David Chong, founder and chairman of Globus Events Limited and Pet Fair Asia Limited, noted that the Pet Fair network, operating since 1997, plays a vital role in linking international pet industry businesses. The recent Pet Fair Asia in Shanghai attracted over 2,600 exhibitors and more than 130,000 business visitors from over 100 countries, with Thailand participating for the first time with a pavilion, reflecting opportunities to expand trade cooperation between Thailand and China.
Kanokporn Damrungkul, Director of the International Trade Exhibition Industry at the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (Public Organization), stated that international trade shows are key mechanisms for connecting trade, investment, and global knowledge. They also stimulate the economy through foreign business travel and promote Thailand's role as a regional pet industry hub.
In 2025, Pet Fair South East Asia featured 447 exhibitors from 37 countries and attracted 11,169 business visitors from 81 countries. For 2026, organizers aim to increase business visitor numbers to over 12,500 to expand trade negotiation opportunities and integrate Thai entrepreneurs into the global pet business network.
Pet Fair South East Asia 2026 will be held from 28-30 October 2026 at Halls 98-100, BITEC Exhibition and Convention Center, Bangkok.