“Pushing Thailand Towards Becoming the World’s Number One Pet Food Exporter”
On July 25, 2024, at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, during the “MHESI Fair,” the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) held a signing ceremony for a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Program Management Unit for Competitiveness (PMUC) and Kasetsart University to establish a “Palatability Testing Center for Pet Food.” This initiative aims to enhance competitiveness in the premium pet food industry, support small businesses in the pet food sector, and drive Thailand toward becoming the world’s leading exporter of pet food.
Associate Professor Dr. Thongchai Suwansichon, Ph.D., Director of PMUC, stated that PMUC is responsible for driving targeted industries, with the food industry being one of its key focuses. There is a strong desire to accelerate the enhancement of competitive capabilities through necessary technologies and innovations that keep pace with changes. In addition to funding research, PMUC also provides funding for various infrastructures essential for research and development, particularly those needed for entrepreneurs. For instance, the “Palatability Testing Center for Pet Food” will expedite the operations of the premium pet food industry, which, despite its high market value, produces 95% for foreign brands. The aim is to enable Thai entrepreneurs to create their own brands. Thus, having a “Palatability Center” will be a significant factor in increasing the competitive capabilities of Thai entrepreneurs, allowing them to produce quality pet food that meets international standards and to establish brands for the global market.
“In the premium pet food industry, most small, medium, and some large businesses cannot commercially produce their products independently and must rely on foreign brands. Although they can develop new products, they face the issue of lacking laboratories or standardized testing centers. The testing center being established through this CEFMU-supported project is currently in the process of achieving international standards to gain credibility from consumers both domestically and internationally. It is expected that upon completion, at least 50 operators will initially utilize the services,” Dr. Thongchai said.
Associate Professor Thongchai Suwansichon, Ph.D., Director of PMUC.
Associate Professor Kongsak Thiengtham, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Kasetsart University, remarked that “the Palatability Testing Center for Pet Food” is essential and will be established at the Kasetsart University Veterinary Hospital in Nong Pho, Ratchaburi Province. It is expected to be operational by 2025, and these tests will be crucial for both nutritional completeness and palatability, thereby strengthening small operators to compete both domestically and internationally.
Associate Professor Kongsak Thiengtham, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Kasetsart University.
Associate Professor Wanee Chonhenchop, Ph.D., Chair of the High-Value Food Program Subcommittee at PMUC, revealed that high-value pet food presents both a significant opportunity and challenge for Thailand, which PMUC is emphasizing strongly. Previously, consultations were held with entrepreneurs and stakeholders across the pet food industry, including the Department of Livestock Development, leading to the emergence of the high-value pet food industry. Thailand is currently the third-largest producer and exporter of pet food globally. The goal is to elevate Thailand from the third position, with an average market value exceeding 70 billion baht, to the number one spot in the world. PMUC’s role is to empower entrepreneurs by creating infrastructure and an innovation ecosystem, supporting research funding, and developing knowledge from both local and international experts. They are also currently pushing for the registration of pet food in collaboration with the Department of Livestock Development.
Associate Professor Wanee Chonhenchop, Ph.D., Chair of the High-Value Food Program Subcommittee at PMUC.
Associate Professor Attavit Govittavatthee, Ph.D., Deputy Director of the Veterinary Research and Innovation Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, and a representative of the research team, stated that the project, supported by PMUC, is divided into two main parts. The first part is the knowledge base, which is very crucial. This includes knowledge both from within Thailand and from global experts who are partners with Kasetsart University, enabling testing to be conducted both domestically and internationally. The second part is the establishment of an animal testing center, which will be used to conduct various tests, including palatability and other necessary aspects.
“In the market, you’ll find that some products make certain claims. If these claims can be validated and practically applied, with clear test results, it will enhance competitiveness both domestically and internationally. Therefore, what we are striving to achieve is to create standards that are accepted in both Thailand and overseas, making it possible for products to be competitive on the global stage when exported.”
Associate Professor Attavit Govittavatthee, Ph.D., Deputy Director of the Veterinary Research and Innovation Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University.
During the event, there was also a discussion on interesting topics related to PMUC’s support for the pet food business, the development of a nutritional database policy for pet food, and an online registration platform in collaboration with the Department of Livestock Development, presented by Associate Professor Natdanai Hankarnsujjarit, Ph.D., Manager of the High-value Food Research Office, PMUC, and Chair of the Strategic Integration Unit, Future Food Industry, TSRI.
Topic: Keeping Up with Pet Care Trends: Innovations and Approaches for Developing Pet Food to Meet Market Demand, presented by Dr. Natthaphong Akkarimachirachot, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University.
Topic: Nutritional Balance and Palatability of Dog and Cat Food, presented by Dr. Ponsucha Palasewinan, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University.
Topic: Pet Nutrition Research Center: Key Component for Enhancing Sustainable Competitive Opportunities, presented by Associate Professor Dr. Attavit Govittavatthee, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University.
Topic: Palatability Testing Service Center for the Pet Food Industry, presented by Dr. Orrathai Chaiwetchakarn, Managing Director of The Unique Laboratory Co., Ltd.
Topic: Demonstration of Pet Food Nutritional Calculation Program co-designed by the Petfood Consortium, presented by Assistant Professor Jumpol Warasayan, Ph.D., Assistant Dean for Information Technology, Faculty of Agro-Industry, Kasetsart University.
