Thailand’s Food Innovation on the Rise: A Look Inside the Fi Asia Media Trip 2025
Food Safety Trends PH Magazine had the privilege of joining the Fi Asia Media Trip 2025, held in the culturally rich city of Chiang Mai, Thailand, last April 23–24, 2025. The event gathered over 40 media representatives from across Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, China, and Vietnam. Food Safety Trends PH was proud to be one of five Philippine representatives, alongside PTV 4, Business Mirror, Manila Bulletin Lifestyle, and IShark Marketing Communications.
This trip has been carefully planned to give media and press representatives from various ASEAN countries a behind-the-scenes look at Thailand’s growing food innovation sector, developments in nutrition, and related areas such as health supplements and agriculture. Informa Markets aims to highlight Thailand’s leadership in food exports and innovation while exploring regional growth opportunities across Southeast Asia through insights from industry leaders and production site visits.
This engagement is designed to build anticipation and momentum leading up to their flagship events, Fi Asia Thailand 2025 and Vitafoods Asia 2025, scheduled for September 17–19, 2025, at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok. Both events are expected to attract thousands of business leaders from the nutraceutical and food and beverage industries, all seeking innovative, high-quality ingredients, dietary supplements, and related services from top suppliers.
As a preview of what’s to come, the trip highlighted Thailand’s transformation into a regional innovation powerhouse in the food, nutrition, and supplement space, powered by its dedication to quality, sustainability, and health. Participants visited leading companies and institutions that reflect this progress, combining technology with food safety and wellness.
Nopphada Superfoods Co., Ltd.
Founded in 2016 by Mr. Nopphada Atikhampu and his family, the company specializes in garlic production, particularly Thai black garlic developed through a unique fermentation process. Known locally as "garlic tone" or single clove garlic, it contains high levels of S-allyl-cysteine, a compound linked to multiple health benefits. Nopphada Superfoods' black garlic has become a best-seller on Amazon USA. Guided by their core value, “Relation for Long Live Together,” the company is committed to supporting Northern Thai garlic farmers while delivering healthier food products to consumers.
SUNSWEET Public Company Limited
Established in 1997 in Chiang Mai, Thailand, SUNSWEET has a production capacity of 500 MT per day. The company employs advanced processing technologies to ensure product safety and quality, while its commitment to innovation and sustainability positions it as a key player in the processed agricultural products sector. SUNSWEET adheres to good manufacturing practices (GMP) and good agricultural practices (GAP) throughout its facility. All products are tested by laboratory analysts and approved by quality assurance personnel before release. Regular monitoring of personnel and the environment minimizes the risk of cross-contamination. To maintain optimal freshness, harvested crops are processed and packed within 24 hours of delivery. Packed products then undergo hydro-lock sterilization to eliminate any microbiological contamination. These products are distributed throughout Thailand and exported internationally, supported by a network of 20,000 contact farmers in Northern Thailand.
SUNSWEET also showcases industry innovations and progress through smart farming initiatives that reduce costs and pollution. The company utilizes renewable energy sources, such as biogas, biomass, and solar energy, resulting in a 30% reduction in electricity costs and a decrease of 1,242 tons of carbon dioxide emissions. Furthermore, SUNSWEET's facility is designed to serve as an educational resource for students, researchers, and other industry professionals, offering insights into their operations and food safety protocols.
Glycemic Index Center
The Glycemic Index Center at Chiang Mai University was established to advance health research and innovation, particularly focusing on glycemic index (GI) analysis of food products. GI measures how much a food item raises blood sugar levels after consumption, and the center plays a vital role in studying this aspect to support healthier dietary choices. During the visit, Associate Professor Dr. Yuthana Phimolsiripol, Dean of the Faculty of Agro-Industry, outlined the center’s goals and highlighted its in vitro testing capabilities for evaluating the glycemic index of various foods.
Dr. Wason Parklak, the laboratory manager, provided insights into the sophisticated equipment used in their research, such as High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) for analyzing active compounds, Gas Chromatography (GC) for volatile substances, and Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) for detecting metals and metalloids. While inquiries were made about student access to the equipment, the center clarified that it is reserved for internal projects. The center also includes a government-supported HIV clinic, demonstrating its broader commitment to public health. Visitors were given a tour of the other labs and facilities, and even had the opportunity to test their own blood sugar levels.
Chiangmai Healthy Product Co., Ltd.
Chiangmai Healthy Product Co., Ltd. is a family-run enterprise recognized as one of Thailand’s top honey producers. Established in 1995, the company initially supplied honey as an ingredient for factories and exports. By 2000, it began focusing on research and development to enhance the value of bee products. Today, it works closely with local beekeepers, offering training and consultation to improve product quality. Their operations span from supplying equipment to beekeepers and purchasing raw materials to producing house brands and selling directly to both industrial clients and consumers.
To ensure the quality and purity of their honey, the company employs various testing methods, including sensory evaluation, the flame test, and the water test. Raw materials are subjected to strict quality control and lab tests for moisture, sugar levels, and antibiotic presence. The honey is processed at low heat and produced at a capacity of up to 20 tons daily, then packaged and distributed both locally and internationally. Adhering to global food safety standards such as FSSC 22000, ISO 22000, and HALAL, the company offers a diverse product lineup that includes different honey varieties, royal jelly, bee pollen, beeswax, and honey-based ingredients for the food and beverage industry.
Looking ahead, Fi Asia Thailand 2025 and Vitafoods Asia 2025, happening from September 17–19, 2025, at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, offer a valuable platform for businesses to explore Thailand’s expanding leadership in food, nutrition, and supplement innovation. With a strong national focus on sustainability and quality, the events will feature over 1,000+ exhibitors from 80+ countries drawing more than 30,000+ visitors globally.
These co-located events will highlight Thailand’s dynamic food innovation ecosystem, encourage cross-sector partnerships, and provide learning opportunities across health foods, functional beverages, pharmaceuticals, nutricosmetics, personal care, and supplements.
Catch the video highlights showcasing the collaboration, innovation, and discovery that made this experience truly unforgettable: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpYXrOQIWGo