The Thai National Innovation Agency (NIA) actively explores the possibilities of developing a variety of dairy products that offer increased nutritional value, minimal environmental impact, and meet the needs of dairy enthusiasts of all ages.
The drive to create "alternative milk" is closely linked to Thailand
In 2003, Thailand entered into Free Trade Agreements (FTA) with Australia and New Zealand, which included the liberalization of trade in milk and dairy products. Since then, Thai dairy farmers have had to produce quality organic raw milk and follow new trends in order to survive and compete in the global market.
Dairy Home, a social entrepreneurial company, aims to become a manufacturer and distributor of organic dairy products obtained from cow rearing. Their approach focuses on environmental sustainability and the avoidance of chemicals in the manufacturing process.
The basic idea is that happy cows that are cared for produce tasty milk. This approach also helps reduce animal feed costs by using homegrown grass and engaging farmers to take care of the cows.
The manufacturing process also aims to minimize carbon emissions and use clean energy sources such as wind and solar power, and includes an integrated waste management system.
Dairy Home has been selected by the Department of Commerce for the Local BCG Plus project as it has the potential to expand both domestically and internationally.
Dairy Home currently offers a diverse range of products, including milk and yogurt, which are the result of internal research and collaboration with educational institutions. These efforts are aimed at improving the manufacturing process and developing new products.
The company says its commitment to innovation is producing results that consistently capture consumer interest. For example, their “bedtime milk” fights insomnia thanks to its high content of melatonin, a natural sleep aid. It also has a low fat content, making it suitable for daily consumption.
Dairy Home also makes oral health dairy products, including yoghurt drinks and compressed milk tablets containing probiotics to protect teeth. These products are developed based on research conducted by the Department of Dentistry at Songkhla Nakarin University, focusing on common oral diseases and epidemiology.
However, not everyone can consume cow's milk
People with lactose intolerance, which affects 70-75% of the world's population and is common among Asians, may find it difficult to consume dairy products. Fortunately, there are alternative options, such as plant-based dairy products, that are now available to meet the needs of this group of people.
Rice based innovation
One example is Diamond Fresh Rice Milk, made from Hom Mali 105 fragrant young rice and selected grains. This product provides health benefits and is highly nutritious, containing highly digestible short peptides with antioxidant properties that can boost the immune system.
Good news also for rice farmers
Diamond Fresh Organic Rice Milk helps mitigate the impact of price fluctuations in agriculture. However, recognizing that expanding organic rice production could lead to oversupply and lower prices in the market, the company encourages its network of organic farmers to create products that meet international health standards.
To promote the sustainable development of organic rice farming, Diamond Fresh Organic Rice Milk, produced from 100% organic products, is the first and only such product in Thailand to receive organic standards certification.
As the number of people who are allergic to cow's milk continues to rise, with 15-20% of this group also being allergic to soy milk, there is a growing demand for plant-based foods and beverages among people following a vegetarian or vegan diet.
Healthy sesame
Sesamilk Foods Ltd is dedicated to the research and development of products that meet the needs of sesame product buyers. The company extracts nutrients and other benefits from premium Thai sesame seeds to create high quality 100% sesame milk.
Their product line includes White Sesame Milk, nutrient-dense with up to 392.4 milligrams of essential minerals per 200 milliliters, and Black Sesame Milk, known for its intense flavor and abundance of vitamins and minerals.
A feature of Sesamilk products is their high content of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc and dietary fiber. The content of 30 milligrams of sesame oil per 200 milliliters makes it an excellent choice for health-conscious consumers, the company says.
These innovative products reflect Thailand's commitment to diversity and sustainability in the dairy industry, responding to changing market needs and supporting healthy lifestyles.
Author of the article: Ekaterina Antonova
