Your brand is thriving at home. Customers love your products, demand is growing, and expansion feels like the natural next step. With the rising popularity of Asian cuisine in North America, you know there’s a market waiting for what you offer. But where do you start?
Breaking into a new market isn’t just about having a great product—it’s about getting it on the right shelves. Navigating regulations, securing retail placements, and managing logistics can feel overwhelming. The North American grocery industry is competitive, and without the right connections, even the best products can struggle to gain traction.
That’s where working with the right distributor makes all the difference. Continue reading as we walk through what it takes to successfully expand into North America, covering everything from finding the right Asian food distributors in Canada and the U.S. to securing retail partnerships. If you’re wondering how to get your product in stores, you’re in the right place.
Understanding the North American Market for Asian Cuisine
Whether it’s the bold taste of gochujang, the comforting warmth of a ramen bowl, or the crisp crunch of seaweed snacks, demand for high-quality, culturally authentic Asian food products is on the rise.
North American consumers aren’t just looking for generic flavors—they want the real thing, from imported soy sauces and specialty rice to frozen dumplings and ready-to-eat meals that stay true to traditional recipes.
The numbers back it up: the global Asian cuisine market generated $145.3 billion in revenue in 2022 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 7% from 2023 to 2030. That means more grocery stores are expanding their Asian food sections, and more consumers are reaching for brands that deliver the authentic flavors and quality ingredients they trust.
At the same time, changing dietary trends are influencing purchasing decisions. Shoppers are increasingly drawn to plant-based alternatives, lower-sodium options, and clean-label ingredients that fit modern lifestyles—all while staying true to the bold, comforting, and diverse flavors that define Asian cuisine.
For brands looking to expand into North America, understanding these preferences is key to standing out in an evolving and competitive market.
The Challenges of Entering the North American Market
Expanding into North America presents an incredible opportunity, but it also comes with challenges that brands need to navigate carefully. From regulatory requirements to establishing brand recognition, having the right strategy is essential for success.
Regulatory Hurdles
Bringing food products into North America means meeting strict food safety, labeling, and import regulations. Compliance with FDA (U.S.) and CFIA (Canada) standards is a must, covering everything from ingredient sourcing to proper bilingual packaging. Navigating these complexities can be overwhelming, especially for brands unfamiliar with the regional guidelines.
Retail Landscape
North America’s food retail industry is vast and diverse, spanning major grocery chains, club stores, specialty markets, and independent retailers.
Getting products onto shelves requires more than just a great product—it takes strong distributor partnerships and reliable logistics to ensure consistent availability.
Without a solid distribution network, even the best products can struggle to gain traction.
Brand Awareness
With a growing number of international products hitting the market, standing out and building consumer trust is critical.
North American shoppers want authenticity, but they also look for brands they recognize and retailers they trust.
Establishing credibility in a competitive market takes time, targeted marketing, and the right retail partnerships to introduce products to the right audience.
Why Thai United is the Ideal Distribution Partner
Breaking into the North American market requires more than just great products—it takes the right distributor with industry expertise and established retail connections.
Thai United helps brands partner with North American grocery stores and specialty retailers to maximize their success.
- Extensive Market Reach: Gain access to grocery stores, club stores, and independent retailers across Canada. We know how to get your product in stores and ensure it lands on high-traffic shelves.
- Expertise in Authentic Asian Foods: As one of the top Asian food distributors in North America, we specialize in bringing authentic flavors to consumers while maintaining quality and cultural integrity.
- Proven Success with Global Brands: Thai United has helped top Asian food manufacturers establish and expand their presence in North America, overcoming regulatory and market entry challenges.
- End-to-End Distribution Support: From logistics and warehousing to strategic marketing and product placement, we simplify the process so brands can focus on what they do best—creating high-quality products.
How to Successfully Expand with Thai United
Getting products on store shelves is just the beginning. A strong retail strategy and market insights are key to long-term success. Here’s how we help brands navigate how to get a product into a store and grow their market share:
- Refine Product Offerings for the Market: Maintain authenticity while adapting to North American trends, including demand for bold flavors, plant-based options, and convenient meal solutions.
- Maximize In-Store Visibility: Stand out with strategic product placement, retailer promotions, and targeted marketing efforts that attract customers and build brand loyalty.
- Leverage an Established Retail Network: Thai United connects brands with major grocery chains, specialty stores, and independent markets, ensuring products reach the right consumers through Asian food distributors in Canada and beyond.
Expanding into a new market is more than just logistics—it’s about getting the right products in front of the right customers. That’s where Thai United comes in.
Take the First Step Toward Success
The demand for authentic Asian cuisine in North America has never been stronger. With a growing consumer base eager for traditional flavors and high-quality ingredients, the opportunity for expansion is clear—but success depends on having the right distribution partner.
Thai United has the expertise, market reach, and industry connections to help brands navigate the complexities of entering the North American market. From securing retail partnerships to ensuring seamless logistics and compliance, we make the process easier so you can focus on growing your brand.
Ready to take your brand global? Reach out today and let’s start getting your products on North American shelves.
