Myanmar’s ready-to-apply Thanaka to expand in ASEAN market

Myanmar Thanaka will be processed into ready-to-apply products for export to the ASEAN market, as announced by the Myanmar Thanaka Growers and Exporters Association.
At present, Myanmar Thanaka sells regularly in the domestic market. Since exporting raw materials to foreign markets is not feasible, they will be processed into ready-to-apply cosmetic paste for exportation.
“Myanmar Thanaka already has a strong domestic market, and traditional skincare products have been successfully exported to China’s Yunnan market through border trade. Recently, we have been planning to produce finished products such as powder, paste and cream, and plans are underway to export them to ASEAN countries such as the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia,” said an official from the Myanmar Thanaka Growers and Exporters Association. Furthermore, the relevant ministries and the Myanmar Thanaka Growers and Exporters Association are collaborating to have Myanmar Thanaka recognized on the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) Intangible Cultural Heritage List.
Thanaka trees (Limonia acidissima) are primarily found in Sri Lanka, western India, Thailand, Pakistan, and the upper regions of central Myanmar. However, Myanmar Thanaka is renowned for its superior quality.
Myanmar Thanaka thrives in the tropical regions of Myanmar, including Sagaing Region, Mandalay Region, and Magway Region. Not only are they cultivated commercially, but they are also traditionally grown in household yards.
Thanaka trees grow rapidly, even after cutting branches, enabling new plantations. Consequently, once planted by successive generations, these trees can generate income through their sale as a result of the new plantations. Thanaka trees can be ready for market sale within six to seven years after planting, and it takes 35 years to grow a high-quality Thanaka tree. — ASH/TKO