Bangkok: The National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) collaborates with partners to promote "Thai healthy food innovations" to the global stage at THAIFEX 2026. The National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, organized an event.
According to Thai News Agency, the NRCT x THAIFEX-ANUGA ASIA 2026 InnoFood, Healthy Choice event was officially opened by Dr. Wiparat Dee-ong, Director of the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), along with Dr. Kritphaka Boonfueng, Director of the National Innovation Agency (NIA), and Associate Professor Dr. Suthipan Kaewsompong, Dean of the Faculty of Agro-Industry, Kasetsart University, who spoke as partners in supporting MSMEs in the food sector. Ms. Pimphida Wichayapimchula, Manager of the Center for Experts in Healthy and Sustainable Food Industry throughout the Value Chain, also presented a report. The event took place at the Research Heritage Promotion Center, 2nd floor, NRCT Building 8, National Research Council of Thailand, to promote and support MSMEs in the food sector, enabling them to leverage research and innovation to create tangible market opportunities both domestically and internationally.
Dr. Wiparat Dee-ong stated that the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) is delighted to host this event showcasing research and innovation in food products, in collaboration with partner agencies such as the National Innovation Agency (NIA) and Kasetsart University. This initiative aims to promote food research and innovation for commercialization, creating business value and expanding market opportunities for MSMEs through the display of research at the NRCT's Innovative House booth at THAIFEX-ANUGA ASIA 2026, under the theme "Your Healthy Choice." Twenty-six businesses participated in the exhibition. The NRCT is committed to promoting the practical application of research knowledge to drive the grassroots economy towards an innovation-based economy and sustainably elevate the potential of Thai food in the international market.
Dr. Kritphaka Boonfueng stated that NIA is pleased to collaborate with Kasetsart University and the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) in driving food innovation in Thailand through the Thai Kitchen: Crafted FoodTech Accelerator Program. This program supports innovative food entrepreneurs in developing products, technologies, and business models, leading to sustainable commercialization. It also provides opportunities for Thai entrepreneurs to showcase their innovative food products at the international THAIFEX-ANUGA ASIA 2026, thereby enhancing the capabilities of Thai entrepreneurs and propelling Thailand towards becoming a regional food innovation hub in the future.
Associate Professor Dr. Suthipan Kaewsompong stated that Kasetsart University is pleased to contribute to the advancement of food innovation in Thailand through the support of knowledge, research, and food technology in collaboration with NIA and NRCT under the Thai Kitchen: Crafted FoodTech Accelerator Program. This initiative aims to empower Thai entrepreneurs to further develop innovative food products into commercial ventures and expand business opportunities at international events such as THAIFEX-ANUGA ASIA 2026, while also connecting research with industry to sustainably enhance the potential of Thai food in the global market.
Ms. Pimphida Wichayapimchula stated that the Innovative House project aims to promote and empower food entrepreneurs to commercialize research and innovation, increase product value, and create market opportunities both domestically and internationally, through concrete connections between researchers, experts, and the food industry.
In addition, a special panel discussion was held on the topic of "Collaborative Mechanisms for Driving MSME Food Entrepreneurs to Create International Market Opportunities," featuring Ms. Pimphida Wichayapimchula, Executive Director of the Center for Experts in Healthy and Sustainable Food Industry throughout the Value Chain; Associate Professor Dr. Kitipong Rattanaporn, Head of the Thai Kitchen: Crafted FoodTech Accelerator Program; and Ms. Montha Kaihirun, Director of the Startup Promotion Division, National Innovation Agency (NIA). They shared their perspectives and approaches to supporting Thai entrepreneurs to compete sustainably in the global market.
Another important activity was the introduction of highlight products showcased at THAIFEX-ANUGA ASIA 2026, featuring collaboration with Innovative House, NRCT, and the Thai Kitchen: Crafted FoodTech Accelerator Program. These included authentic Thai ready-to-cook seasonings, frozen mung bean french fries, low-GI palm sugar, mixed fruit and vegetable drinks, flourless chicken breast noodles, steam-roasted coffee, sparkling beverages, and meal replacement products. All of these products are developed from research and innovation to create added value for the Thai food industry.
Additionally, the event featured a "Taste, Shop, and Enjoy" area where interested individuals could experience and purchase innovative food products from over 20 entrepreneurs. These included products such as chickpea crackers, pectin gummies, spinach and cheese cookies, ready-to-blend fruit smoothies, vegan fish sauce, calcium-fortified crispy fish sticks, and mixed fruit slices, among others. This reflects the potential of Thai research in creating healthy food products that meet the needs of modern consumers and have the potential for commercialization.
The National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) aims for this event to serve as a crucial platform for connecting researchers, entrepreneurs, and the food industry to build collaborative networks and promote Thai food innovations to the international market, as well as sustainably elevate the country's innovation-based economy.