The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) has partnered with prominent US-based Asian grocery chain H Mart to boost the availability of Thai food products in the American market.
This collaboration aims to enhance Thai exports, increase brand visibility, and expand the digital retail platform Topthai on H Mart’s online platforms.
Following a meeting with H Mart executives, DITP Director-General Sunanta Kangvalkulkij highlighted that both parties discussed the rising demand for Thai products as H Mart plans to open three new stores this year.
As the largest Asian supermarket chain in the US, H Mart has requested additional support from DITP to source more Thai exports, particularly jasmine rice, coconut water, coconut milk, and tropical fruit juices.
While concerns over tariffs were raised, H Mart remains optimistic that Thai government support measures will help keep retail prices stable in the US.
Discussions also covered the possibility of joint promotions via Topthai, a dedicated concept store for Thai products, already operating online across more than 10 countries.
In a recent promotional event from August 30 to September 1 last year, the DITP and H Mart collaborated to sell Thai items such as jasmine rice, coconut water, and snacks, resulting in sales exceeding 8.4 million baht.
H Mart has been invited to participate in Thaifex–Anuga Asia 2026 to select additional Thai food products for distribution, as well as the rice showcase event in New York hosted by the International Trade Promotion Office.
Currently operating in 16 US states, H Mart plans to expand to 87 locations by the end of this year, with an estimated annual revenue of US$1.2 to 1.5 billion. The chain imports various Thai goods, including seafood, frozen and canned fruits, dried fruits, jasmine rice, noodles, sauces, fermented fish sauces, snacks, and ready-to-eat meals.
In related activities, Commerce Minister Jatuporn Buruspat is in New York from July 19–22 to welcome Princess Ubolratan, who will preside over an event promoting “Thai Select” restaurants and strengthen Thailand’s soft power in the food industry.