The Future of Thai Food Business: Unstoppable Growth Driven by Young Entrepreneurs and Technology
One of the most insightful platforms reflecting the future of Thailand’s food industry at “Makro HoReCa 2025” was the “HoReCa Trend Talk”, which drew strong interest from entrepreneurs and experts across the food, hotel, and café sectors nationwide. The session was led by Mr. Tanit Chearavanont, Chief Executive Officer – Wholesale Business Group, CP Axtra Public Company Limited, who provided an in-depth perspective on the direction of the food business in 2025, under the theme “Food Infinity – Endless Growth for the Food Industry.”
Thailand’s Food Business Outlook 2025: Growth Amid Challenges
Even as the economy remains fragile, Thailand’s food business continues its upward trajectory because food is a fundamental necessity—and the industry never stands still. Today, Makro serves over 550,000 HoReCa members nationwide, ranging from street food vendors and cafés to mid-sized hotels and food trucks.
A noteworthy trend is the 8% growth in young entrepreneurs aged 18–22, who stand out for their creativity and use of technology—such as fusion cafés, concept-driven restaurants, and 100% delivery-only formats generating six-figure monthly revenue. This new generation has become a significant force driving the future of the food sector.
Three Fast-Growing Food Business Segments: Meeting New Consumer Lifestyles
According to Makro’s Big Data insights, the three fastest-growing restaurant formats are:
- Casual Dining & Cloud Kitchens (+28%)
Modern Thai restaurants focusing on content marketing and delivery channels.
- Shabu and Hotpot Restaurants (+25%)
Popular among all demographics for value and variety.
- Specialty Coffee Shops and Bakeries (+25%)
Businesses emphasizing premium ingredients and visually appealing design, fueling social-media engagement.
These segments reflect a consumer base that increasingly values new experiences and emotional satisfaction in their dining choices.
Makro’s Strategy: From Products to Integrated Solutions
To empower food entrepreneurs, Makro continues to enhance its private brands—aro and Savepak—providing quality ingredients at the right price. The company is also expanding its Ready to Eat / Ready to Cook / Ready to Bake (RTE/RTC/RTB) offerings, helping operators address labor shortages and maintain consistent food quality.
On the service front, the Makro PRO platform has seen HoReCa orders increase by over 27%. Makro has expanded its fleet to more than 3,600 delivery trucks nationwide, offers 3-hour express delivery, and is preparing to launch early-morning delivery to ensure restaurants receive fresh products before operations begin.
Standing Strong, Smiling Together: Supporting Entrepreneurs Through Every Challenge
Amid economic pressures, Makro continues its commitment through the “Makro Stands by You” initiative, designed to help businesses of all sizes recover and thrive. Support ranges from menu-development workshops and opportunities to showcase products in Makro stores to essential product promotions that help increase profit margins.
Looking Ahead: “Food Will Never Stop Growing”
The key message from the session was clear: “Opportunities in the food business are all around us.” Makro reaffirms its role as a “solutions partner” committed to empowering Thai entrepreneurs to unlock limitless growth—aligning with the core theme of this year’s event, “Food Infinity.”
Insights from the HoReCa Trend Talk 2025 reaffirm the vast potential of Thailand’s food industry. Despite economic pressures, the combined force of young entrepreneurs, technology, and Makro’s support will continue to drive “endless growth in the food business” well into the future.
