Thailand is one of the world's largest producers and exporters of food, due to a combination of abundant raw materials and advanced food processing technology. A surplus of food production over domestic consumption resulted in exports valued at US$8.5 billion in 2005, up 12.6 percent over 2004, with projections for 14.2 percent growth in 2006.
Most of Thailand's food exports are processed foods, both semi-processed and ready-to-eat. What has made Thailand the leading exporter of fresh, chilled, frozen, and processed shrimp highly competitive in world markets is the global recognition gained for high quality. In 2005, the export of fresh, frozen, and processed shrimp is valued at US$1.8 billion, up by 7 percent over 2004, and the projection for 2006 is a growth of 15 percent. Canned tuna accounts for 83.2 percent of canned seafood exports. Following seafood in export volume are fresh and processed fruits and vegetables that are divided into two major groups: Fresh, chilled, and dried fruits and vegetables with fresh and dried longans ranking first, followed by fresh and chilled durians, mangosteens, lychees, and tangerines. The largest vegetable exports are various kinds of beans, asparagus, onions, okra or lady finger, and baby corn. The second major segment is canned and processed fruits and vegetables, including canned pineapple and pineapple juice, followed by canned sweet and baby corn.
What kind of fruit is ranked as the biggest exported value?
Dried longans.
Chilled durians.
Mangosteens.
Lychees.