Thai consumers are seeking for healthier seasonings, dressings & sauces to elevate their meal and snack occasions. Consequently, the Thai seasonings, dressings & sauces market is projected to grow from THB50.6bn ($1.6bn) in 2021 to THB58.5bn ($2bn) by 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3% over the five-year period 2021­–2026, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

GlobalData’s report, ‘Thailand Seasonings, Dressings & Sauces – Market Assessment and Forecasts to 2026’ reveals that the market growth will be primarily driven by the tomato pastes and purees​ category, which is forecast to register the fastest value CAGR of 3.7% over 2021–2026. The category is followed by dips, with a projected CAGR of 3.2% over the same period.

Anush Shaw, Analyst at GlobalData, says: “Thai consumers have an affinity for complex seasonings, dressings & sauces, which combine multiple tastes sensations such as salty, spicy, sweet, and sour in a single product. Manufacturers are rolling out novel fusion products, combining indigenous and exotic ingredients to address this consumer desire for sophisticated flavor experiences. The increasing consumption of fish and seafood in Thailand will also drive sales of sauces and seasonings.”

‘Hypermarkets & supermarkets’ was the leading distribution channel in the Thai seasonings, dressings & sauces market in 2021, followed by convenience stores, and e-retailers.

The per capita expenditure on seasonings, dressings & sauces in Thailand increased from $9.1 in 2016 to $11.4 in 2021, and is further projected to reach $13.5 by 2026, well above the regional average of $9.1, and close to the global average of $13.8.

​Ajinomoto Group, Unilever, and Nguan Soon Co., Ltd. were the top three companies in the Thai seasonings, dressings & sauces sector by value in 2020, and Ajinomoto and Ros Dee Menu were the leading brands.

Shaw concludes: “Acknowledging the elevated health consciousness among Thai consumers since the onset of the global pandemic, manufacturers will focus on developing products with health and wellness (H&W) attributes. This includes products with natural and organic ingredients and fortified with essential nutrients and beneficial bioactive compounds.

“Products with H&W attributes such as ‘naturally healthy’ and ‘general wellbeing’ are expected to contribute significantly towards the growth of the Thai seasonings, dressings & sauces sector over 2021–2026.”