RATCHABURI, Thailand – The Ministry of Commerce is moving forward with plans to upgrade Thailand’s aromatic coconut industry across the supply chain, emphasizing community-based collection, processing, marketing, value creation, and Zero Waste practices. Minister of Commerce Suphajee Suthumpun visited Ratchaburi province to review the Community Aromatic Coconut Collection Center initiative at the Thai Aromatic Coconut Central Market Community Enterprise, operated by Coconut Breeze Co., Ltd. in Damnoen Saduak district. She also met with farmers and business operators to support the development of collection systems, processing, market connections, and value-added uses for all parts of the coconut, in line with circular economy principles.
The Deputy Prime Minister stated that the community collection center serves as a model for aggregating high-quality produce, maintaining standards, processing products, and connecting them to domestic and international markets. This approach aims to help farmers secure fair prices and establish a sustainable, community-based management system. Ratchaburi has been chosen as the pilot area before expanding the model to other major production provinces. The Ministry of Commerce is also addressing challenges in the aromatic coconut sector by facilitating product purchases through the Department of Internal Trade, coordinating with the private sector to absorb output, increasing inspections of processing factories and purchasing centers to prevent adulteration, and supporting machinery, equipment, and new market opportunities.
The ministry is also promoting value creation from coconut by-products, such as husks, shells, and fibers, for use in eco-friendly packaging, fuel, biochar, and renewable energy. During the visit, the Deputy Prime Minister also reviewed Aromatic Farm’s high-value aromatic coconut development model, which uses traceability systems, DNA marker variety testing, and clean energy to enhance the global competitiveness of Thai aromatic coconuts. (NNT)
