to focus more on research services for Thai entrepreneurs in order to reduce the limitations they are now facing.
For SME entrepreneurs, Dr. Tipvon said that to succeed in doing business, they have to obtain new knowledge, in addition to what they are already familiar with in their work. They have to know people in various fields and gain experience, to learn, analyze, and synthesize new knowledge which can be applied to developing product innovations catering to the present-day market needs.
Besides the interview with Dr. Tipvon, we also had an opportunity to meet Ms Jureerat Huarkieat, an expert in Food Safety and Consumption, who was another speaker who participated in the academic training at the AFB Roadshow 2017. We raised a question about how important the new legislation on food and nutrition labels would be and the following is what she said.
“ Food and nutrition labeling is something that consumers must have, as labels are the channels that provide them with information. The FDA had this new labelling legislation enacted to protect consumers and ensure they have access to nutritional values and complete information as shown on labels. Therefore, mandatory information on labels concerns consumers’ safety so that consumers can avoid substances that might put them in danger or to which they are allergic. Labels also include how to correctly store the products and protect consumers from false information or exaggerated claims.”
“ Most food labeling problems involve misleading information, as many manufacturers have incorrect knowledge and understanding about labeling and put consumers in dangers. As a result, the FDA introduced regulations of food labeling. Moreover, during the Training AFB Conference 2017, participants understood the importance and background of the FDA’ s legislation on food labeling so that they had a better understanding and clearer guidelines on how to use their labels.”
Exhibit 1: Old food purchasing trends can be divided into 3 categories: 1) Food for Fun, such as candies and soft Drinks 2) Food for Life, such as food for daily consumption and 3) Food for Function, such as for health. However, current trends have become mixed with consumers showing several demands, such as finding more outstanding products with better background information and values. Products with these characteristics must be thoroughly researched and developed to meet consumers’ requirements.
Exhibit 2: A structure chart of a 4.0 herbal food business management showing how to maximize raw materials at every step
Intro: To succeed in doing businesses, manufacturers have to obtain new knowledge, in addition to what they are already familiar with in their work. They have to know people in various fields and gain experience, to learn, analyze, and synthesize new knowledge.
“ Think Globally, Act Globally”, means that they should have the ability to compete with the overall trends in the world market. They have to know what they are capable of and how to position their products. They also have to know who their customers are, and what they want, and they have to know how to find connections to support their businesses.
** Source: Asia Food & Beverages Thailand
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