On August 28, 2025, Ms. Somjai Taphaopong, Consul General of Thailand in New York and Ms. Katesuda Thongna, Consul together with officials from the Royal Thai Consulate-General, met with Mr. Garth Geist, Director of Our Brands Sourcing, and Mr. Miguel Marcano, Director of Fresh Sourcing, along with the sourcing management team of Kroger Co. - the second-largest retailer of consumer goods in the United States - at the company’s headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio.

 

     The Consul General exchanged views on the outlook for Thai imports, particularly in light of the U.S. reciprocal tariff (19%). Kroger’s sourcing team provided insights into U.S. consumer market trends and shared information on Thai products currently imported, including canned foods (vegetables, fruits, tuna, coconut milk), beverages (coconut water, aloe vera drinks), rice, pet food, plastic trash bags, and aluminum foil. They reaffirmed that Thai products remain well-regarded for their quality. Kroger also noted that while challenges are posed by the tariff measures, they would be considered as the opportunities for Thai producers to innovate, enhance product value, and differentiate themselves from similar goods imported as substation.

 

     Following the meeting, the Consul General and delegation visited Jungle Jim’s International Market, a major international wholesale and retail store in Cincinnati, where a wide variety of Thai products are on display, such as rice, sauces and seasonings, beverages, canned foods, frozen items, noodles, and ready-to-cook meals. The delegation also met with Thai restaurant entrepreneurs in the area to learn more about their businesses and the popularity of Thai cuisine among local consumers.