THAI WAH INTERNATIONAL TRADE (SHANGHAI) CO., LTD, operating as the China subsidiary of Thai Wah Public Company Limited, is a key conduit for one of Asia’s most prominent agro-industrial and starch-based food product companies. Based in Shanghai, this branch facilitates the distribution, sales, and technical support of Thai Wah’s signature food ingredient and starch solutions throughout Mainland China and neighboring markets.
Core Business and Offerings
Thai Wah Shanghai focuses on the import, distribution, and market development of high-quality starches and consumer-ready food products derived primarily from cassava, rice, and other Southeast Asian agricultural resources.
Product Categories
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Native and Modified Starches
- Tapioca Starch
- Modified Tapioca Starch
- Alpha Starch
- Rice Starch
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Syrups and Sweeteners
- Glucose Syrup
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Food Products
- Tapioca Pearl
- Bean Vermicelli
- Rice Vermicelli
- Rice Noodles
-
Specialty Flours
- Rice Flour
These products serve key industrial applications across noodles, desserts, bakery, dairy, beverages, confectionery, and instant food categories.
Specialization and Unique Value Proposition
As part of Thai Wah Group—a company with over 75 years of experience in starch and food innovation—Thai Wah Shanghai provides:
- Direct supply chain access to integrated production bases in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos
- Certified food-grade and industrial-grade starches tailored to Chinese market standards
- Localized customer service and application support
- Sustainable sourcing and traceable origin materials
The company is widely recognized for its flagship “Rose Brand”, one of the most respected tapioca starch brands in Asia and a market leader in ASEAN.
Financial and Operational Scale
Thai Wah Public Company Limited (SET: TWPC) reported annual revenues exceeding THB 10 billion (approx. USD 290 million) in 2022, with a significant contribution from exports and China-market operations. Key performance indicators for its Shanghai entity include:
- Import volumes in the tens of thousands of metric tons of starch and vermicelli annually
- Strategic partnerships with major Chinese food manufacturers and distributors
- Participation in national-level trade expos such as FIC China and SIAL Shanghai
The company leverages Thailand’s position as the world’s largest cassava starch exporter to maintain price competitiveness and secure bulk contracts.
Export and Shipment Insights
Thai Wah’s China operations import large volumes of:
- Tapioca starch and glucose syrup for confectionery and beverage manufacturers
- Tapioca pearls and vermicelli for bubble tea, hotpot, and retail grocery sectors
Packaging formats range from 25 kg industrial bags to consumer-size retail SKUs, with warehousing and distribution centers located in key ports such as Shanghai and Guangzhou.
Products are shipped with complete documentation, including COA, origin certificates, pesticide residue reports, and microbiological safety analysis.
Target Market
Thai Wah Shanghai’s core clientele includes:
- Food ingredient importers and distributors
- Bubble tea chains and café franchises
- Instant noodle and vermicelli manufacturers
- Bakeries and confectionery brands
- Foodservice operators and catering groups
Its starches and vermicelli products cater to both industrial-scale producers and retail private-label packagers.
Capabilities
- OEM and co-branding services for retail products under “Rose Brand” or local partner labels
- Food R&D support via Thai Wah’s innovation center for new product development
- Technical training and application testing for starch modification, texture profiling, and product performance
- Custom formulation capabilities based on end-use requirements for viscosity, gel strength, or clarity
Thai Wah Shanghai also supports clean-label starch solutions for food brands seeking to replace synthetic thickeners or allergens.
Certifications and Compliance
All Thai Wah products distributed via the Shanghai branch adhere to:
- ISO 22000 and HACCP food safety systems
- Halal and Kosher certifications
- GMO-free declarations
- Comprehensive allergen and microbial testing
Tapioca products meet compliance standards for China GB, EU EFSA, and US FDA, ensuring broad regulatory acceptance for cross-border food processing.
Customer Testimonials and Industry Reputation
Thai Wah is recognized in China for:
- Reliable product quality and timely delivery
- Consistency in moisture and granule size for industrial starches
- Strong brand trust in tapioca and rice-based ingredients
Retailers and industrial clients often cite the Rose Brand’s stability and long-standing presence as reasons for preferred supplier status. Thai Wah has been awarded export excellence awards and CSR recognitions in Thailand and across Asia.
Key Achievements
- Operating in over 20 countries, with China as one of the largest markets outside Thailand
- Established Rose Brand as a leading tapioca starch in China’s bakery and beverage sectors
- Played a key role in expanding the bubble tea industry’s tapioca pearl supply in China
- Launched sustainable farming and traceability programs across its cassava networks
- Invested in low-emission manufacturing and renewable energy integration at its production sites
THAI WAH INTERNATIONAL TRADE (SHANGHAI) CO., LTD continues to serve as a critical gateway for Southeast Asia’s starch and food innovation pipeline, delivering high-performance ingredients to power China’s growing demand for authentic, functional, and sustainable food products.