The NFI's new figures put the total volume for the year at 23.1 million tonnes, down 0.6 per cent on last year, but value at Bt561 billion, up 8 per cent on 2005.

Earlier this year the institute estimated export volume would increase 6.3 per cent and value 9 per cent.

The adjusted figures come in the face of a changing world economic situation and tough competition in the food sector.

Panithan Vajaranant, executive director of the institute, said the global rise in oil prices and the appreciation of the baht were contributing "risk factors".

"Although the world economic trend is set to increase this year, the risk factors might cause a drop in the export volume of some products," he said.

But, he said export value would continue to increase if Thailand focused more on processed foods, rather than simply commodity goods. Among products tipped to increase in export volume and value this year are canned and processed tuna, processed chicken, frozen and processed shrimp, canned pineapple, processed fruit and seasonings.

This will be the second year of a drop in food export volume. Last year, the food sector volume was 23.3 million tonnes, down 22.7 per cent on 2004. Total value increased by 2.5 per cent to Bt519.8 billion.

In a bid to increase food exports, the NFI is currently in discussion with worldwide fast food chain KFC about the possibility of putting Thai-inspired meals on its menus in the Asia-Pacific region, Taiwanese and Japanese branches.

Part of a drive to raise awareness levels about Thai cuisine abroad, the plan ties in with the government efforts to promote Thailand as the "Kitchen to the World".

Yutthasak Supasorn, deputy executive director of the institute and vice president of the Kitchen to the World project, is due to talk to KFC in Singapore this Saturday about adding Thai food to its menus.

If KFC bites, Yutthasak said, it will boost exports of our food products and increase the awareness of Thai food around the world.

The items the NFI is pushing for include chicken spring rolls, Thai-style chicken salad and a variety of sauces.

In addition, the government yesterday signed an agreement with the Institut National des Appellations d'Origine Controlée, the wine quality control institute of France, signalling the start of cooperation on the sale of Thai food with wine.

Thaifex: World of Food Asia 2006 - a Thai food and French wine fair - is being held from tomorrow until Sunday at Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani.

Petchanet Pratruangkrai

The Nation