ThaiBev to still dominate domestic alcohol market: analysts

High barriers to entry for small producers and entrepreneurs abound, including time needed to build up networks, maintain quality control

THAILAND’S Lower House recently passed a Bill to promote liquor production by small distilleries and breweries, in a move designed to loosen the grip of the kingdom’s dominant liquor players.

But market watchers believe that the domestic market share of Thai Beverage (ThaiBev) is unlikely to be heavily shaken. The maker of Chang Beer has built up an entrenched distribution network in Thailand over several years, and this would be difficult for new entrants to replicate.

New players will also have to navigate the country’s strict advertising rules for alcohol.

Dominant market leaders

The Community Liquor Bill, which received approval from lawmakers in Thailand’s House of Representatives, opens the way for individual entrepreneurs, cooperatives and farmers’ groups to secure licences to produce and trade liquor.

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