From July 15-16, 2024, the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI), New York Office team attended the IFT FIRST Annual Event and Expo 2024 at McCormick Place in Chicago. With over 1,000 exhibitors, this event facilitated engagement among companies showcasing innovative specialty ingredients in the food sector and networking in food science, technology, and innovation.

During the event, the team visited the booth of a company already operating in Thailand to discuss the latest BOI initiatives promoting the entire supply chain from upstream to downstream, especially in bio-based technology. Thailand’s position as a major producer of agriculture products and the need to enhance its food science sector with advanced technology from the U.S. were highlighted. Additionally, new technologies that add value to businesses were explored and potential companies interested in expanding to Thailand, focusing on alternative products and plant-based textures made from wheat and peas, were engaged. The team also connected with suppliers of flavor, fragrances, and botanical extracts in the food and beverage sector.

Discussions were held with Thai companies exploring business opportunities in the U.S. as well. These included SMS Corporation, which launched a new natural derivatives substitute for chemical bases in active pharmaceutical ingredient manufacturing. Aditya Birla Chemical Thailand, which offers high-performance functional food ingredients in sodium and potassium chemistries.

During their visit to Chicago, Ms. Janthapat Saichumin, Deputy Director, BOI New York Office also met with Team Thailand, chaired by H.E.Dr. Suriya Chindawongse, the Ambassador to the U.S., along with Ms. Katanawadee Kalayanamit, Consul-General at the Thai Consulate General in Chicago, and discussed strategies to promote investment opportunities and explored prospects for cooperation on various activities and projects.