PUBLISHED : 11 Sep 2026 at 17:49
Bangkok, Thailand, 11 September 2026 – Thailand’s growing focus on health, nutrition and preventive care is creating new opportunities for Norwegian companies seeking to establish a stronger foothold in Southeast Asia, according to the Thai-Norwegian Chamber of Commerce.
The opportunity was highlighted through Norwegian participation at Vitafoods Asia 2026, where 10 companies presented marine-based ingredients, food supplement technologies and science-led nutritional products to Thai businesses and other regional industry players.
The companies were looking beyond conventional product distribution, with potential areas of cooperation ranging from ingredient sourcing and manufacturing to product development, investment and longer-term commercial partnerships.
Jostein Aksnes, Vice President of Thai-Norwegian Chamber of Commerce, said Thailand’s growing interest in health and preventive healthcare is creating a natural point of connection between the two markets.
“There is growing interest in Thailand in health, nutrition and preventive healthcare, while Norway has established expertise in developing food supplements and nutritional ingredients with a focus on quality, traceability and responsible production,” he said.
Thailand’s manufacturing, distribution and market capabilities are another factor attracting interest from Norwegian businesses. Aksnes said these capabilities could help companies entering Thailand establish local partnerships and explore opportunities in other Southeast Asian markets.
The potential comes as Thailand’s dietary supplements market continues to expand. According to Grand View Research’s Thailand Dietary Supplements Market report, the market was valued at approximately 91 billion baht in 2025 and is projected to reach 189 billion Baht by 2033, representing a compound annual growth rate of 9.6% from 2026 to 2033.
For Norwegian companies, the appeal is not limited to Thailand’s domestic consumer market. The combination of growing demand, manufacturing capabilities and regional distribution networks provides a potential platform for companies with specialised products and ingredients.
Norway and Thailand are entering this next phase of commercial engagement on the back of a longstanding bilateral relationship. The countries marked 120 years of diplomatic relations in 2025, when the Thailand–EFTA Free Trade Agreement, signed in January 2025, is expected to enter into force on 1 January 2027.
The agreement is expected to provide a stronger framework for commercial ties between Thailand and the EFTA economies, including Norway, as companies assess opportunities for greater cross-border trade and investment.
The food supplement sector illustrates the potential for cooperation beyond finished consumer products. Norwegian companies participating at Vitafoods Asia cover areas including marine omega-3, phospholipid ingredients, krill oil, marine proteins, marine heme iron, marine collagen and specialised nutrient delivery technologies.
Many of these products draw on Norway’s longstanding expertise in marine resources, while incorporating research, traceability and sustainability into their development and production.
Among the exhibitors are Aker BioMarine, Arctic BioScience, Biosan, Concordix, Epax, GC Rieber VivoMega, NYO3, Rimfrost, SalmoFer by Lerøy Seafood and Seagarden.
The participation was complemented by an Exclusive Welcome Reception at Fairmont Bangkok Sukhumvit, supported by the Royal Norwegian Embassy and organised by TNCC. The event attracted approximately 90 participants, bringing Norwegian exhibitors together with Thai importers, distributors and other industry stakeholders.
For the Embassy and TNCC, such engagement is intended to extend beyond introductions at an industry event. Their role also involves helping companies identify suitable local partners and maintain relationships as they assess and develop opportunities in the Thai market.
“The interest we have seen demonstrates the potential for cooperation across the food supplement value chain,” Aksnes said. “Our role is to help businesses establish the right connections and support those relationships as they develop into longer-term commercial opportunities.”
As Thailand’s health and nutrition market continues to evolve, the growing interaction between Norwegian suppliers and Thai businesses could open opportunities across a wider part of the value chain, from specialised marine ingredients and scientific innovation to manufacturing, distribution and regional expansion.
Thai companies interested in exploring business opportunities with Norwegian companies can visit www.norcham.com.
