Thailand, a long-standing leading producer, and net exporter of food is gearing 
up to provide the world with volume and nutritive quality in a sustainable 
manner, and to meet global consumer demand for unique tastes with its food of 
the future offerings.

The country promotes itself as the "Kitchen of the World' on account of its 
strength in the food industry, arising from its abundant natural resources, 
continuing investment in food innovation and commitment to food safety 
standards. In 2021, Thailand ranked 13th largest food exporter in the world, 
with exports valued at USD30.5 billion.

However, the country is not resting on its laurels and is pushing ahead to meet 
the growing global demand for healthier food, and so-called food of the future, 
such as plant-based proteins and meat alternatives. Presently, Thailand is the 
world's 25th largest exporter of alternative proteins, with USD1.21 billion 
worth of food of the future in the first quarter of 2022, up 26% on year. Major 
markets include US, China and Vietnam.

With an increasing number of conglomerates, SMEs and food tech start-ups 
entering this segment, Thailand's future food offering is increasing in both 
quantity and quality. To compete producers not only aim to create the taste and 
texture of traditional meat products but also explore the use of new primary 
ingredients such as chickpea, mushrooms, and barley instead of soy, corn and 
wheat.  Exotic seasonings from fruits, spices and herbs are inventively added 
to make future food products from Thailand stand out.

Smith Taweelerdniti, the producer of Let's Plant Meat said the key to success 
is to find a balance in the flavor, health and environmental benefits. "Whoever 
that could skew the consumer demand toward more sustainable and more healthy, I 
think, is a boon for the planet," he said in an interview to CNBC Asia. "It's 
about creating the flavor and aroma, this is the key." 

Scaling up innovation is part of the Thai government's plan to promote the 
sector as a key economic driver. Thaifex, the largest food and beverage trade 
show in Asia steadily offers food innovators chances to showcase their ideas. A 
food tech team from Bangkok's Chulalongkorn University won the ASEAN Food 
Innovation Challenge 2021 with "The Marble Booster", plant-based Wagyu-style 
marbled-meat slices infused with immune-boosters, turmeric and black-pepper 
extracts. The product will soon be sold at convenience stores.

Thailand's other alternative proteins, namely edible insects, a well-known 
local delicacy, and protein sourced from insects have long made inroads into 
markets including US, UK, Germany, and South Korea. Popular insects like 
crickets and grasshoppers are used as ingredients in preparations including 
canned food, pastry and candy.  As growing concerns about food security and 
sustainability are boosting global demand, Thailand aims to step up sales of 
edible insects and insect protein powders and its current rank of 17th largest 
exporter of live insects.

Source: DITP

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   Caption: Plant-based meat alternatives become healthier and tastier with 
infinite ideas of innovation.