As Asian economies continue to be resilient to European financial woes, British firm Synergy, a manufacturer and supplier of flavour-enhancing ingredients, is setting up a new factory in Samut Prakan province.

Geoff Allen, managing director of Synergy Flavours (Thailand), said the company’s decision to establish its first facility in Asia comes from Thailand’s advantages in terms of strategic location, vast raw materials and good basic infrastructure.

“Thailand imports over 80% of its food flavourings and is the fifth-biggest food exporter in the world, so it makes sense that Thailand is an ideal location to build the company’s presence in Asia,” he said.

The ability to export easily to Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam also influenced Synergy’s decision to set up its Asian facility, said Mr Allen, adding that the availability of raw materials in Thailand is a huge benefit.

The Board of Investment has set no limit for foreign ownership in Synergy’s business, raising the appeal of setting up in Thailand, he said.

The new facility on Bang Plee Industrial Estate is set to begin operations at the end of next month after the Food and Drug Administration gives the nod.

Synergy entered the region in 2009. It supplies food and beverage producers with liquid flavourings, spray-dried flavourings, yeast extracts and dairy ingredients, which contribute to fat and cost reductions while maintaining good flavours.

Mr Allen said the 2011 floods persuaded the company to develop its facility in Samut Prakan rather than flood-prone Ayutthaya.

“The location of Bang Plee is ideal for water drainage and the factory is built on concrete with elevated floors, so hopefully we won’t have any problem with flooding,” he said.

Regarding the upcoming Asean Economic Community, Mr Allen said the company is focusing on expanding into Indonesia and the Philippines, two of the biggest emerging markets in the region, in the short term.

In the long run, the company might look into penetrating the market in Myanmar, but it will take at least five years for the country to develop to meet the company’s standards, he said.

Mr Allen hinted that Synergy plans to invest actively in Asia as sales volume grows, with a possibility of setting up another facility in Southeast Asia.

Synergy is owned by Carbery, which is owned by leading Irish dairy cooperatives.

(Source : Bangkok Post / Synergy chooses Thailand for its first Asian base)

According to Dr. Pradit Sintavanarong, Minister of Public Health, during the 66th World Health Assembly held in Geneva, the WHO praised Thailand for its improvement in good governance for medicines, terming Thailand the role model in this approach.

The Public Health Minister said the Thai government had been placing its emphasis on transparency and good governance for medicines so that the people would receive the maximum health benefit they are entitled to.

The WHO revealed in its recent report that at present, around 4.4 trillion US dollars is being spent on the health industry, of which 10-25 percent falls to corruption. The WHO has, therefore, created the GGM system to reduce the risk of corruption. At this stage, 36 countries including Thailand are joining the program.

At the Geneva conference, the WHO also asked Thailand to present its experience in combating corruption in the pharmaceutical sector to a WHO side meeting.

(Source: National News Bureau of Thailand, Public Relations Department / WHO praises Thailand for its good governance for medicines)

“It is hoped that by making this information accessible, others will fully recognise the potential of edible insects to contribute to food security,” said Hiroyuki Konuma, regional representative of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).

The UN agency estimates that food production will need to increase 60 per cent from current levels to meet global food requirements by 2050, and has become a keen advocate of insect consumption.

“The world may face a food security crisis, but I think Thai people will survive because we know how to eat insects,” said Yupa Hanboonsong, co-author of the book “Six-legged Livestock: Edible Insect Farming”.

It outlines Thailand’s success over the past 15 years in raising and domestically marketing three insect species – crickets, palm weevils and bamboo caterpillars. Its commercial production averages 7,500 tonnes a year.

Insects have long been part of the Thai diet, but academics and FAO officials are hoping they will become a more common source of protein and nutrients elsewhere.

“One great advantage of eating insects is they have very high efficiency in converting the food they eat into the food matter that humans can consume,” said Patrick Durst, FAO senior forestry officer and a co-author of the book.

Insects are six times more efficient in converting food into edible body weight than livestock such as cattle, he said. They are also environmentally friendly.

“Raising insects requires a lot less land and water, and they emit less greenhouse gases,” Durst said.

In both Asia and Europe, insects have increasingly been used as ingredients in processed foods, removing the squeamish factor of eating bugs.

“You don’t have to look an insect in the eye when you eat it,” Durst said. “When you eat a steak, it doesn’t look like a cow.”

(Source : The Nation / Thailand launches the ‘bible’ on insect farming)

Talented young designers, Thaweesak Chattuwan from Khon Kaen University’s architecture faculty and Krongwan Kananurak, who’s studying at Chulalongkorn University’s fine and applied arts faculty, were recently named the winners of this year’s Grand Sport Young Designer Contest.

Gen Yutthasak Sasiprapa, Deputy Prime Minister and President of National Olympic Committee of Thailand, handed out the awards at the Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit.

Organised by Thailand’s leading manufacturer and supplier of sportswear and sport equipment, Grand Sport Group, the annual contest has become an arena for university students to show off their talent for sports apparel. This year theme, “Love Motherland”, appealed for the youngsters and Thaweesak’s design “Tamil” (“Loyal buffaloes, taking care of Isaan”) for Thai boxing caught the eyes of judging committee, as did Krongwan’s “Thai Rise, Raise the Rice” design for women’s beach volleyball.

The group’s managing director, Thiti Pluckchaoom, says that the contest aims to support young people and encourage them to be bolder in their sportswear designs.

“The finalists are trained by professional designers, among them T-Ra Chantasawasdee, owner of fashion brand “Teera” and a contest judge, who mentor them before they actual begin the design work. We selected the ‘Love Motherland’ theme to encourage Thai youngsters to show their historical appreciation, respect and love for their nation,” he says.

“We see great development every year. We don’t organise the contest to impact on sales but to give young people a forum to showcase their creativity and benefit from hands-on experience during the process.”

The ceremony started with a fashion show presenting stylish sportswear for men and women designed by 10 young finalists from seven institutions.

Thaweesak was announced as the winner in the men’s sportswear category, with Sirawit Tongsidum, a Bangkok University student, named first runner-up for his “Missing Grandmom” design for Jet Ski.

In the women’s sportswear category, first runner-up to Krongwan was Chanaradee Chatrakul Na Ayudhya, also from Chulalongkorn University, who presented “ENJOIN” for swimming.

The winners received a special trophy from Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana along with a Bt30,000 scholarship and products from Rotring while the first runners-up took home a trophy, a Bt15,000 scholarship as well as Rotring products. Three “outstanding awards” were also given out.

Thaweesak says his inspiration came from the legend “Mr Hoy and his loyal buffaloes”, a tale that demonstrates the same strength and endurance as is needed for boxing.

“Muay Thai is now popular the world over and still remains a martial art unique to the Thai people and our culture. The tone used is based on the concept of Tamil, with black, grey and white trimmed with a reflective red to show strength. Many different pieces of fabric had to be sewn together to get the right pattern and I played with the design function by using colours that reflect the Thai flag in the lining of the jacket,” he says.

Thaweesak adds that the contest has allowed him to gain greater knowledge about the fashion and clothing industry while helping to boost his self-confidence. “I will definitely use this experience in the future,” he concludes.

Krongwan’s “Thai Rise, Raise the Rice” design for Beach Volleyball is, as the name implies, inspired by the many varieties of Thai rice types.

“When I heard the contest’s design concept was Love Motherland, rice was the first thing that came to my mind. Rice is a long-standing feature of Thai life and I wanted to show foreigners the value we place on rice. The colours reflect the many different colours and varieties of Thai rice, for example, brownish-red for brown rice, and black for Seenil rice.

We had to print the colours ourselves as the tones I wanted are not readily available. Since I don’t have much experience in sewing, I had to depend on the expertise of the staff of Grand Sport.

“I really enjoyed the training camp, particularly the opportunity to interact with experts from whom I wouldn’t normally have to chance to learn.”

Yodchai Kuntachawana, newspaper editorial consultant for Siam Sport Daily and a long-time judge of the contest, is delighted at the amount of progress he’s seen over the years.

He says that the Thai Boxing design offers a striking example of sportswear design that is as attractive as it is practical.

He also has praise for Krongwan’s beach volleyball outfit, pointing out that it is the kind of gear a woman would feel attractive wearing while allowing her the freedom in movement she needs for the sport.

(Source : The Nation / Thailand has talent)

Central Pattana, the country’s leading mall developer, has announced an overseas expansion plan involving the establishment of seven shopping complexes in four key Asean markets: Malaysia, Myanmar, Vietnam and Indonesia.

The company is allocating Bt1 billion for the opening of the first two malls over the next two years.

The expansion will be undertaken through joint ventures with local investors in each country.

Meanwhile, chief financial officer Naris Cheyklin yesterday said the company’s allocation of capital-increase shares to foreign funds, especially those in the Middle East, via private placement had received strong interest from retail investors wanting to cash in on the open-market environment when the Asean Economic Community (AEC) comes into effect in 2015.

Central Pattana reported to the Stock Exchange of Thailand that 60 per cent of the 130.36 million new shares, priced at Bt50.75 apiece, were being allocated to foreign investors and the remainder to local investors.

The company will raise more than Bt6.5 billion from the private placement, the statement said.

Central Pattana’s stock price yesterday gained 0.46 per cent to close at Bt54.25.

Naris said investment funds in Abu Dhabi were among the Middle Eastern investors interested in the new shares.

“We have seen investment funds from the Middle East starting to invest in our shares, which is positive feedback from our road show in the region. Those foreign investors have seen that retail business will benefit from the implementation of the AEC, so they want to invest in this sector. We also want to take our road show to other markets, as we want our investors to be more varied,” he added.

Naris said that after selling the capital-increase shares, the company expected the proportion of its free-float shares to increase to 50 per cent.

The developer has no further plan, however, to mobilisation funds in the capital market over the next two years, regardless of the size of its investment projects, he stressed.

Some of the funds raised from the private placement will be spent on the development of new mall projects on Koh Samui in Surat Thani province, and in Salaya, in Nakhon Pathom province. Both malls are scheduled to open next year.

The funds will also be used for this year’s domestic investment plan, under which the company will invest Bt13 billion in shopping-complex projects.

The company will also borrow from local financial institutions and its Retail Growth Fund, and is also considering set up a fund to support the investment in its department store in Chiang Mai, he said.

As for the overseas investment plan, he said the company next month would conclude a deal with local partners to open a shopping mall in Malaysia, the cost of which is expected to be about Bt5.8 billion.

The company will invest about Bt3 billion in the project from its cash flow and borrow an additional Bt1 billion from local banks.

Plans to set up joint-venture shopping malls in Indonesia and Vietnam should be finalised by the end of this year, said the CFO.

(Source : The Nation / Central Pattana branching out into four ASEAN markets)

A memorandum of understanding was signed today between Thai Industry Minister Prasert Bunchaisuk and British Foreign Office Minister Hugo Swire on bilateral economic and trade cooperation.

Under the terms of the MoU, the Thai Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion and UK Trade and Investment will enhance cooperation regarding the SMEs of both countries.

The competitive edge of Thai and British SMEs will be boosted in every aspect, according to the agreement, whether raw materials supply, technology, or marketing and management, so that the SMEs of both countries are strong enough to compete in the global market especially in Southeast Asia and the European Union (EU).

Mr Prasert said the three-year period of cooperation could double the two countries’ trade value, currently at Bt40 billion a year.

Thailand is keen to jointly invest with in clean energy with the UK, while Britain wants to develop Thailand as its source for raw materials on industrial food.

The minister was optimistic that the cooperation will lead to exchange of information, knowledge and experience on technology, global practice and industrial trainings, and pairing between Thai and British investors.

The cooperation will pave the way for the ASEAN Economic Community in 2015 and broaden trading activity between the UK and the ASEAN+6 countries, he said, describing the move as an opportunity for Thailand to become a goods and service centre between the UK and Southeast Asian countries.

(Source : MCOT online news / UK eyes AEC, ASEAN+6 penetration)

Having walked tall along the business road for over seventy years, Saha Group now has under its management numerous quality products, and provides a wide range of modern services from its three manufacturing centers covering totally around 6,000 rai (960 hectares) : Siriracha Industrial Park in Chonburi, Krabinburi Industrial Park in Prachinburi and Lumpoon Industrial Park in Lumpoon.

The main purpose of this year’s Saha Group Fair, 17th Saha Group Fair : Trade – Export – Exhibition (“An Honest World”), is to unveil to business partners, and to both national and international consumers, the Group’s manufacturing technology capabilities, its quality services, and latest high speed logistics. Also, its integrated manufacturing and marketing standards make it ready to step with pride into the ASEAN Community in the near future.

Great Opportunity
This is a great opportunity to see for oneself the latest product manufacturing technologies, and service providers, that have been created, shaped, and run under the umbrella of highly experienced Saha Group companies, which have gained substantial trust in international markets throughout their seventy years in the business.

Come & Join Us :
The ASEAN Community is creating significant new business opportunities, however to succeed one needs a well-prepared organization. So we welcome all foreign investors, business operators and interested parties to find perfect matches with trustworthy business partners in Saha Group’s large network of companies, which have had many years of experience in various business segments.

Also, we take pride in the latest innovative products created in the Group from many years of successful experience and excellence in development. Do not miss to look into the future.

For more information, please visit www.sahaexport.com or contact Ms. Kanittha, Tel: 662-293-9000 ex 163, Fax: 662-294-3024, Email: kanittha@icc.co.th

Click on the links below to download 17th Saha Group Fair Brochure
• 17th Saha Group Fair – Page 1
• 17th Saha Group Fair – Page 2

Date : June 27 – 30, 2013
Trade : June 27 – 28, 2556 (10:00 – 20:00) / Plenary Hall
Public :
June 27 – 30, 2556 (10:00 – 22:00) / Zone C, Plaza
June 29 – 30, 2556 (10:00 – 22:00 ) / Plenary Hall

Venue : Queen Sirikit National Convention Center

Website : www.sahaexport.com

The comprehensive list of offerings includes cosmetics, leather goods, textiles, shoes, household products, clothes, foods & beverages, electrical appliances, services, sports goods and much more, all at special low prices. Retailers will also enjoy exceptional opportunities to purchase at wholesale prices. Another special feature of this year’s event is a new consultation booth dispensing disaster survival tips and selling relief supplies to prepare you for every eventuality. Other highlights include ‘Saha Group Bangkok Young Designer Awards’, ‘ELLE & Trombone Fashionista Boy & Girl Contest’ and ‘Farmhouse Sandwich Recipe Contest’. Meanwhile, job seekers won’t want to miss ‘Saha Group Career Opportunities’. All this plus many more special activities are sure to keep consumer visitors entertained throughout.

Product Categories
Automatic Fabrics : Airbags Motorcycle Helmet Lining Cubic Printing Services
Baby & Children Products : Baby and children’s wear, baby care products, stuffed toys, soft dolls, baby shoes and accessories
Bakery Manufacturer
Beverage : Juice, coffee, tea, herbal tea, dietary supplement beverage and drinking water
Convenience Store
Cosmetics & Cosmetics Packaging : make up, skin care, personal care, toiletries, hair care, perfume and accessories for BSC Cosmetology
Distribution, Logistics, Transportation and Warehouse Services
Electric Home Appliances
Food & Seasoning Products & Healthy Food
Footwear : business and casual shoes, sports shoes, dance shoes, student shoes, shoes components; and Research & Software Development
Home Living Textile Products : towels, robes, slippers, and other garment items
Household Products : fabric care, home care, personal care, oral care, and baby care
Institute : make up, fashion education, Japanese lauguage education and study trip to Japan
Instant Noodles
Investment & Real Estate
Leather Products : manufacturer of quality licensed brands and house brands
Men’s Apparel : outerwear and innerwear
Sports Apparel & Sporting Goods
Television Broadcast
Textile : a wide range of materials
Women’s Apparel & Fashion Products

Contact Person : Ms. Kanittha, Tel: 662-293-9000 ext 163, Fax: 662-294-3024, Email: kanittha@icc.co.th

Buyers, importers, or business operators in the food industry that are seeking global business opportunities will be excited to see ‘Thai Kitchen to the World’ at the THAIFEX – World of food ASIA 2013.

Responding with gusto to the ongoing ‘Thai Kitchen to the World’ policy, the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) in collaboration with the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Koelnmesse are now well-prepared for the launch of THAIFEX – World of food ASIA 2013, the mega Asian food exhibition that is highly anticipated by global buyers and importers. Packed with potential, this exhibition is envisaged to be an ideal stage for showcasing a fascinating range of food and beverage products as well as related technologies and services. The market for Thai food exports in 2013 is targeted to expand with an increase of 10%.

Mr. Suwipan Thisyamondol, Deputy Director General of the DITP, stated that, “The Ministry of Commerce has implemented a strategy to promote and develop Thai food exports in line with the “Thai Kitchen to the World” policy. This is to promote the country’s image as well as to pump up the competitive advantage potential of Thai commodities including agricultural products, food & beverages and catering businesses, both in Thailand and overseas. In response to this strategy, the DITP has pressed on with a proactive export plan to promote the market expansion of Thai food products via multiple approaches. Such approaches include conducting programs to enhance the qualities of both goods and operator efficiencies, searching for new channels for trading and exporting frozen food to European and Asian markets, accompanying trade delegations for business negotiations abroad, and awarding the ‘Thai Select’ logo to certified Thai restaurateurs and products.”

Jointly organized by the three celebrated organizations under the theme “Savor the Best in Asia”, the fast-approaching THAIFEX – World of food Asia 2013 is scheduled to run from this May 22nd to 26th at Challenger 1 – 3, IMPACT Muang Thong Thani. The event aims to be an inviting stage to showcase the production potential of food & beverage products together with related technologies and services which will pave the way further towards international arenas. This 5-day exhibition will focus on the originality and the quality as well as the safety and health properties of participating products. Such an endeavor is recognized as a major strategy to bolster the food product exports of Thailand while driving the Thai Kitchen to the world policy to achieve the set goals.

“Overall exports of Thailand this year have food products as the main export category, with the first three months (Jan. – Mar. 2013) export value totaling 4,408 Million USD. Currently, the Ministry of Commerce has cooperated with multiple agencies to formulate plans to boost trade and expand Thai food markets on an ongoing basis. We are confident that the organization of THAIFEX – 2013 will mark a proactive step which promises new markets of great potential, while catalyzing Thai food exports to grow by 10% as targeted,” added Khun Suwipan.

Again, this astounding event will be pulsating with a variety of activities that emphasize its being an exceptional arena for exhibiting and selling a comprehensive range of high-quality products and innovations from the food industry.
These comprise food & beverage goods, food producing technologies, together with retail and franchise businesses, and those related from the service industry. This year’s THAIFEX will host at least 3,100 booths from more than 1,100 leading companies. Exhibitors partaking in the event are from, among many others, the Republic of China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Italy, Japan, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, Korea, Brunei, Brazil and Turkey. THAIFEX 2013 is therefore an absolutely must-visit venue where operators in the food industry, both domestic and abroad, can create trade opportunities and meet with potential buyers worldwide.

On top of that, a slew of interesting and insightful exhibitions and activities await to impress visitors, such as the Halal food exhibition showcasing high-standard Thai Halal products, which will build confidence among buyers, importers and consumers, and the Eco and Innovative: Treat the World with Sustainability exhibition which encompasses groundbreaking or eco-friendly products by Thai exporters and other exhibitors. Joining the list are the Fairtrade certified products exhibition, activities to promote Thai-labeled foods, franchises and restaurants, the Thailand Ultimate Chef Challenge 2013 competition, and seminars on topics such as Import Control on Food of Plant and World of Food Safety.

Trade days: May 22nd – 24th, 2013, from 10.00 – 18.00 Hrs. Retail Days: May 25th – 26th, 2013, from 10.00 – 20.00 Hrs. More details about the THAIFEX – World of food Asia 2013 are available via http://www.ditp.go.th and http://www.thaitradefair.com, or contact Thai Trade Center nearest you.

Commerce Minister Boonsong Teriyapirom said on Wednesday that the Commerce Ministry’s Department of Foreign Trade has been working on the preparation of the TRC 2013, which will see the participation of more than 500 representatives from foreign governments, rice importers, academics and experts from 40 countries.

Mr. Boonsong stated that the upcoming international event will help Thailand showcase its leadership in the rice export sector while the gathering will enable all related parties to exchange information and ideas about the development of the world rice industry.

In addition, the event will be the venue for rice business entrepreneurs and exporters to meet and discuss trade deals.

The Commerce Minister added that the TRC 2013 will convince the international community about Thailand’s readiness to be the rice production and trade hub, both at ASEAN and global levels.

The 6th Thailand Rice Convention 2013 will be held at the International Convention and Exhibition Centre Commemorating His Majesty’s 7th Cycle Birthday Anniversary in Chiang Mai, from May 26 to 28.

(Source: National News Bureau of Thailand, Public Relations Department / Commerce Ministry to host 6th Thailand Rice Convention 2013 during May 26-28)