Ratchaburi Aromatic Coconut, or Maphrao Namhom Ratchaburi, has officially been registered as a geographical indication (GI) product in the European Union (EU).

The EU announced the registration of Ratchaburi Aromatic Coconut on 18 February 2026, after Thailand had submitted its application in 2023. The registration is considered a significant step toward making Thai agricultural products better known on the global stage, increasing international consumer confidence, opening up Thailand’s new trade opportunities in 27 EU member states, and enhancing the competitiveness of Thai products in premium markets.

GI protection guarantees a product's characteristics or reputation, authenticity, and origin. It also protects the product name from misuse or imitation. 

Deputy Government Spokesperson Lalida Persvivatana stated that the EU is a major export market for Thailand’s aromatic coconuts, with an average annual export value of more than 300 million baht. The registration would provide Thailand with bright prospects to export more to EU members, such as the Netherlands, Spain, Germany, Italy, France, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Ireland, and Denmark.

Moreover, she said, it would promote the image of high-quality Thai agricultural products and generate sustainable income for local communities. Ratchaburi Aromatic Coconut is the first product of Ratchaburi Province granted GI overseas. It is the fifth Thai GI product registered in the EU, following Khao Hom Mali Thung Kula Rong-Hai, Khao Sangyod Muang Phatthalung, Doi Tung Coffee, and Doi Chaang Coffee.

Production sources of Ratchaburi Aromatic Coconut are located in seven districts, namely Mueang Ratchaburi, Damnoen Saduak, Wat Phleng, Ban Pong, Bang Phae, Pak Tho, and Photharam. These districts have favorable soil and water conditions, which contribute to the pandan-like fragrance of aromatic coconuts, with thick but tender flesh and year-round yield.

Statistics show that, in 2025, Ratchaburi produced about 550 million aromatic coconuts, generating 276 million baht in domestic sales and more than 5.24 billion baht in global exports. Thailand now has 11 GI products registered overseas, covering 33 countries.

The Deputy Government Spokesperson stressed that Thailand would continue to seek GI protection for Thai agricultural goods, especially food, which is considered one of Thailand’s “soft-power” items. This would help increase value for Thai products and receive greater international recognition.