logo
Thai Fruits and Food Festival 2025 launches at Choithrams UAE outlets

Thai Fruits and Food Festival 2025 launches at Choithrams UAE outlets

Khaleej Times29-04-2025

The rich flavours and vibrant culinary traditions of Thailand have arrived in the UAE as the Thai Fruits and Food Festival 2025 officially launches at Choithrams Al Safa Branch. This exciting celebration offers shoppers a unique opportunity to experience the very best of Thailand's renowned produce and gourmet offerings, right here in Dubai.
This festive promotion will run until May 11, 2025, across 12 participating Choithrams outlets, organised by the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) and presented by Thai Trade Centre Dubai, in partnership with the Choithrams UAE, and Ever Spring Industry Limited.
Themed 'Thai Fruits and Food Festival,' this year's campaign not only showcases Thailand's finest tropical fruits — like mangoes, mangosteen, jackfruit, and rambutan — but also highlights how these ingredients are creatively used across Thai Select certified restaurants, specialty Thai grocery stores, and in authentic home-style dishes that celebrate Thai culinary excellence.
The opening ceremony was graciously attended by Sorayut Chasombat, ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to the UAE; alongside Merica Sivara, deputy consul-general, Royal Thai Consulate-General in Dubai; Pitichai Ratananaka, executive director of the Thai Trade Centre Dubai; Ahman Mad-Adam, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Dubai and Middle East Office; Dinesh Pagrani, director of Choithrams; Mark Mortimer Davies, CEO of Choithrams; Ashutosh Chakradeo, chief retail officer GCC; and Pankaj Sajnani, FMCG procurement manager, together with other esteemed dignitaries from Choithrams.
'We invite everyone to discover the authentic tastes of Thailand —beyond the ordinary. This festival is a gateway to understanding Thai fruits not just as produce, but as cultural treasures with health benefits and culinary versatility,' shared Ratananaka. 'Whether through Choithrams' fresh produce aisles, Thai Select certified restaurants, or specialty Thai groceries, this promotion is a flavorful invitation to experience Thailand in every bite.'
Thailand's culinary footprint
Thailand's food exports continue to play a vital role in global food security. In 2024, Thailand was ranked among the top 15 food exporters in the world, with exports of fresh fruits and food products contributing significantly to the economy. The country's agricultural innovation, sustainability practices, and high-quality standards reinforce its status as the 'Kitchen of the World.'
With growing demand in the Middle East, the UAE has emerged as a key strategic market for Thai food. Thai fruits are gaining popularity not only for their exotic appeal but also for their healthful qualities, traceability, and freshness. Initiatives like the Thai Fruits and Food Festival continue to build awareness of Thai products among local consumers, retailers, and culinary professionals.
During the promotional period, shoppers can enjoy exclusive Thai fruits and food product displays, special offers up to 25 per cent off, and interactive in-store activities across the 12 Choithrams locations. Thai groceries in Dubai will also take part, offering a curated range of fruit-based and traditional food products.
Moreover, Thai SELECT certified restaurants will feature special fruit-infused Thai dishes, offering diners a taste of Thailand's most loved fruits in both traditional and modern interpretations. This year's festival brings together not just food and fruit — but also storytelling, sustainability, and soft power through culinary diplomacy.
Experience the colours, flavours, and spirit of Thailand this spring — right in your Choithrams neighborhood supermarket, Thai SELECT certified restaurants, or Thai grocery store.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Thailand holds rates, but more easing expected amid tariff risks
Thailand holds rates, but more easing expected amid tariff risks

Gulf Today

time4 days ago

  • Gulf Today

Thailand holds rates, but more easing expected amid tariff risks

Thailand's central bank left its key interest rate unchanged on Wednesday, as expected, saying it was saving some policy ammunition if needed to support an economy expected to slow amid trade uncertainty and renewed domestic political turmoil. The central bank said growth was stronger than expected in the first half of the year, in part because of frontloading of export orders to beat US tariffs, but noted the outlook was uncertain and it was ready to cut rates as needed. The Bank of Thailand's monetary policy committee voted 6 to 1 to keep the one-day repurchase rate at 1.75%, the lowest in two years. The BOT said its rate cuts in February and April were providing some support to the economy. "The Thai economy is projected to slow down going forward, as a result of increasing risks to merchandise exports stemming from US trade policies as well as geopolitics and domestic factors," it said in a statement. The stronger-than-expected start to the year saw the BOT lift its central-case growth forecast to 2.3% for 2025, almost matching last year's 2.5% and more optimistic than some market analysts. Assistant Governor Sakkapop Panyanukul told a press conference that the committee was ready to "react if the economy is slower than expected." "The BOT's tone remains dovish, pointing to room for further accommodation in the coming months," said Lavanya Venkateswaran, senior ASEAN economist at OCBC. "Our baseline is for another 25 basis point cut in the second half as downside risks to growth remain rife from perceived domestic political uncertainties and U.S. tariff risks," she said. Capital Economics said it expected 50 basis points of rates cuts before the end of the year. Thailand faces a 36% U.S. tariff on its exports, a key driver of growth, if it fails to negotiate a reduction before a moratorium expires in July. A tariff of 10% has been set for most nations while the moratorium is in place. The baht was largely unchanged against the U.S. dollar after the decision to hold rates steady, which had been expected by 21 of 33 economists in a Reuters poll. Thailand's economy has struggled with weak consumption, soaring household debt, slowing tourism, trade uncertainty and potentially steep U.S. tariffs. The BOT also lowered its forecast for tourist arrivals, a strng domestic growth driver, to 35 million this year. Adding to the challenges is a fresh round of political turmoil that could bring down Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra or the coalition government led by her Pheu Thai party. Sakkapop said that the political issues had not been factored into its forecasts, and the central bank would wait to see developments. Meanwhile, Thai stocks and the baht were largely unchanged on Wednesday after the country's central bank stood pat on rates, as expected, while other Asian currencies and equities rose as easing Middle East tensions lifted sentiment. The currency was trading at 32.623 per dollar after the Bank of Thailand (BoT) held its key one-day repurchase rate steady at 1.75%, following two straight cuts, as it looked to preserve limited policy space amid persistent trade uncertainty and deepening political turmoil. The central bank said its monetary policy remained accommodative to support the economy and that it was ready to adjust interest rates if needed. "BoT's tone remains dovish, pointing to room for further accommodation in the coming months. Our baseline is for another 25 basis point cut in 2H25 as downside risks to growth remain rife from perceived domestic political uncertainties and U.S. tariff risks," said Lavanya Venkateswaran, senior ASEAN economist at OCBC. The country has been gripped by political uncertainty after the Bhumjaithai Party, fresh off its exit from the ruling coalition, said it would pursue a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and her cabinet, piling pressure on the embattled government. Agencies

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Launches ‘Be My Guest' Campaign to Spotlight Thai Soft Power on Global Stage
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Launches ‘Be My Guest' Campaign to Spotlight Thai Soft Power on Global Stage

Arabian Post

time5 days ago

  • Arabian Post

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Launches ‘Be My Guest' Campaign to Spotlight Thai Soft Power on Global Stage

Running from 26 June to 1 July, the campaign features two key initiatives—Soft Power Fam Trip and Rhythm of Thailand—uniting global creators to spotlight Thai culture, creativity, and sustainable tourism. BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 June 2025 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is set to launch the international Be My Guest campaign as part of the government's flagship Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025. Representing the Grand Celebration pillar of the initiative, the campaign is anchored by two core programmes – the Be My Guest Soft Power Fam Trip and Rhythm of Thailand. It aims to amplify Thailand's cultural influence, attract high-value tourism, and promote sustainable travel across emerging destinations. A key pillar of Thailand's Soft Power strategy, Be My Guest reflects the government's ambition to position the country as a premier Tourism Hub while creating economic value through cultural storytelling. The campaign merges heritage and innovation, pairing immersive Thai experiences with contemporary content creation to forge global awareness of Thai identity. ADVERTISEMENT 'This campaign is about more than tourism,' said Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor. 'We're inviting the world to see Thailand through the eyes of those who live it – artists, chefs, creators, and communities. Be My Guest allows our heritage to speak for itself, sparking admiration through real stories and shared moments. This is where Soft Power becomes true influence – by forging connections through culture, creativity, and authentic collaboration.' Taking place from 26 June to 1 July 2025, Be My Guest activates both strategic storytelling and experiential tourism. The Be My Guest Soft Power Fam Trip will welcome over 20 prominent international guests – celebrities, embassy-nominated guests, entrepreneurs, and influencers – to explore curated routes through three culturally rich provinces: Samut Songkhram, Sukhothai, and Chanthaburi. These routes are shaped by the Thailand in the Box concept, which offers a compact yet complete immersion into Thai food, history, craft, and lifestyle, reflecting the country's multi-dimensional identity. Simultaneously, the Rhythm of Thailand initiative will pair 10 global influencers from key markets such as the US, UK, France, China, Italy, and South Korea with 10 leading Thai creators. Each duo will embark on a mission-driven journey across 10 diverse destinations – including Sukhothai, Chanthaburi, Samut Songkhram, Phetchabun, Nan, Loei, Sakon Nakhon, Phang-nga, Surat Thani, Rayong and Chanthaburi, Phetchaburi, Nakhon Nayok and Khao Yai, and Bangkok. Their content will explore distinct Thai Soft Power themes such as Muay Thai, wellness, gastronomy, fashion, and traditional arts. This approach represents a deliberate shift from one-sided reviews to meaningful co-creation – a storytelling model rooted in cultural immersion, mutual exchange, and shared perspectives. TAT will gradually unveil each duo's journey and destination on its official Facebook page: Amazing Thailand, allowing audiences to follow along in real time and engage with the stories as they unfold. ADVERTISEMENT Mr. Nithee Seeprae, TAT Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications, said: 'We didn't just bring influencers to Thailand – we gave them purpose. By designing meaningful collaborations and routes rooted in local identity, we're helping them tell fresh stories that resonate across cultures. This is content creation with intent, spotlighting the charm of Thailand's lesser-known gems and redefining how the world experiences our country.' A major highlight of the campaign will be the Amazing Thailand Saneh Thai Gala Night, scheduled for 30 June 2025 at the Dusit Thani Hotel, Bangkok. As the embodiment of the Grand Invitation concept—one of the five pillars of the Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025—the event will welcome distinguished guests to experience the very best of Thai culture in one unforgettable evening. The gala will feature the '5 Must Do in Thailand', offering immersive encounters with Thai cuisine (Must Taste), traditional craftsmanship (Must Try), cultural heritage (Must Seek), iconic locally made products (Must Buy), and lesser-known destinations (Must See). Serving as the campaign's grand finale, the event will be a vibrant celebration of Thailand's cultural richness in all its dimensions. With rich media content, live coverage, and extensive digital promotion, TAT expects the Be My Guest campaign to spark widespread engagement both online and offline. The campaign is designed to build trust in Thailand's tourism brand while expanding its cultural reach worldwide. Hashtag: #TAT The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

5 of the best budget spas in Dubai to book this long weekend
5 of the best budget spas in Dubai to book this long weekend

What's On

time6 days ago

  • What's On

5 of the best budget spas in Dubai to book this long weekend

Long weekend coming up? A spa day is always a good idea – but not every reset needs a four-digit receipt. Dubai is no stranger to big, glossy spas, but there's a quieter corner of Dubai's wellness scene – one where you still get that luxury feel and great service in calming spaces that look and feel premium without the premium bill. Here are five of the best budget spas in Dubai, perfect for your long‑weekend unwind. Anantara Spa, The Palm Clean, elegant and peaceful, Anantara sits on the East Crescent of Palm Jumeirah. With one of the most exclusive addresses in the world, Anantara Spa offers only the finest treatments, from ancient to modern, Asian to Arabian, relaxing to therapeutic. Thai-inspired touches, overwater treatment rooms and soft, earthy interiors give it that out-of-town feel. Location: Anantara Spa, Anantara The Palm Offer: Dhs 350 for a 30-min back massage massage, or 60-min signature massage for Dhs680 Times: Daily 10 am to 10 pm Contact: (0)4 567 8140 · Eforea Spa, Hilton Palm Jumeirah Modern, light-filled and steps from the beach. a relaxed setting with solid treatments and easy access to pool and sea. Some of the signature treatments include massages, facial and body therapies. Signature to eforea spa is the journey enhancements, powerful mini treatments that are added to your existing services or enjoyed by themselves. These treatments have been specially designed for eforea, with techniques from different spa cultures around the world. Location: eforea Spa, Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah Offer: Dhs 650 for 60 min massage, pool & beach access + Dhs 250 F&B credit Times: Mon–Fri 9 am–10 pm; Sat–Sun 10 am–11 pm Contact: (0)4 230 0090 · ReFIVE Spa, FIVE Palm Jumeirah Stylish seaside retreat with massaging beds by the beach. ReFIVE Spa, located at FIVE Palm Jumeirah Dubai, is a serene oasis offering bespoke wellness treatments and indulgent relaxation packages. Winner of the World Luxury Spa Awards 2024, ReFIVE sets the standard for luxury and rejuvenation in the heart of Dubai. Location: ReFIVE Spa, FIVE Palm Jumeirah Offer: Dhs655 for a 60‑min stress relief massage Times: Mon–Thu 10 am–10 pm; Fri–Sun 10 am–midnight Contact: (0)4 455 9964 · Natureland Spa, Rixos Premium JBR An Award-Winning luxurious spa with a stylish atmosphere that provides a variety of treatments including a Turkish bath, massages and facial care. Spacious, Middle Eastern‑style décor with an old-world feel and quality hammam services under a more approachable price tag – plus, the spa is known for its breathtaking views. Location: Natureland Spa, Rixos Premium JBR Offer: Dhs599 for 60-min traditional Turkish hammam; 60-min Aroma Therapy massage for Dhs699 Times: Daily 9 am–11 pm Contact: (0) 4 432 8888. Pause Spa, Paramount Hotel Business Bay PAUSE Spa Château Berger is a serene and tranquil escape where luxury meets rejuvenation. Winner of Marketing Campaign of the Year and City Hotel Spa of the Year, the spa sets the stage for an indulgent wellness experience. Here you can sink into a jacuzzi, unwind with an aromatic massage, or get your 'Hollywood glow' on with a rejuvenating facial. Minimalist and calm but feels premium. Location: Pause Spa, Paramount Hotel, Business Bay Offer: 60-min massage treatment starting at Dhs425; facial treatments starting at Dhs 300, and body treatments starting at Dhs280 Times: Daily 10 am–10 pm Contact: (0)4 246 6750 · Images: Official websites/Instagram > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store