Page 25 - FoodFocusThailand No.230 May 2025

SPECIAL
SPECIAL INTERVIEW INTERVIEW

Transforming Thai ‘Wolffia’

into a Global Superfood

In this issue of Food Focus Thailand, we invite you to gain fresh perspectives through
an exclusive interview with a visionary leader driving ‘Pham’ onto the global stage.
Discover the strategic efforts behind the rise of this tiny powerhouse — from pioneering
research and advanced production technologies to product standardization and bold
marketing strategies — all aimed at igniting global recognition for Thailand’s plant-
based protein potential.

According to a 2025 report by Whole Foods Market, aquatic - Setting standardized pricing and grading systems for
plants are emerging as rising stars in the food industry. Among fresh and dried Wolffia in the market to ensure fair trade,
them, Pham (Wolffia globosa) has been recognized as one of the establish consistent industry pricing, and support farmers in
year’s top food and beverage trends, thanks to its exceptional protein receiving fair and appropriate returns.
content—higher than that of most leafy greens. This tiny freshwater - Supporting research on key health-promoting
plant is rapidly gaining global attention as the next big superfood.
Under the forward-thinking vision of the management team ingredients in Wolffia by encouraging the identification of
behind the ‘flo Wolffia’ brand, Asst. Prof. Wisuwat Songnuan, unique bioactive compounds and conducting studies—including
Ph.D., one of the co-founders of Advanced Greenfarm Co., Ltd., clinical trials—that confirm the positive health effects of regular
has continuously developed Wolffia (“Pham” in Thai) through Wolffia consumption.
innovative production methods since 2019. The focus has been on - Promoting the image of Pham as Thailand’s national
cultivating systems that are clean, safe, and compliant with superfood by focusing on raising awareness through products
international standards, aiming to produce high-quality raw like Pham drink powder, positioning it as a modern, standout
materials. In addition, advanced technologies have been developed functional beverage—similar to how matcha represents Japan.
to enhance the protein content beyond that of regular Wolffia, This includes highlighting its nutritional value and sustainability
reaching 40–50% of dry weight. This tiny aquatic plant is also rich to consumers.
in vitamins A, B9, B12, and K, as well as essential minerals In this regard, Mr. Boonlert Ongpaiboon, Vice Chairman
such as calcium, iron, and iodine. Several studies published in
international journals have highlighted the health benefits of Pham, of the Committee on Processed Food and Future Food,
including its potential to lower blood sugar levels, slow cognitive discussed strategies to establish “Pham” as Thailand’s
decline, and delay cellular aging. These effects are believed to result superfood. These strategies include adding value through
from key bioactive compounds found in Pham, such as lutein, processing it into “Pham powder” and proposing the product
polyphenols, and phytosterols. Efforts are currently underway to name “Pham Cha” as a new option for global consumers
classify these compounds under Food with Functional Claims (FFC). seeking plant-based protein alternatives. He also suggested
Currently, a variety of Wolffia-based products have been developed implementing policies to regulate the export of Pham species
and processed, including fresh Wolffia, frozen Wolffia, dried Wolffia outside of Thailand to protect the country’s potential as
powder, and protein drink powders in order to serve the health- a leading global producer. Furthermore, he recommended
conscious markets both domestically and internationally in the future. uniting all stakeholders in the Pham industry—from government
Developing “Thai Pham” into a Sustainable Superfood and the private sector to academic institutions—to collaboratively
for the Global Market set industry standards and shared goals. Key organizations
Asst. Prof. Wisuwat Songnuan, Ph.D., shared key strategies to involved include the Committee on Processed Food and Future
prepare the Thai Pham industry across the entire supply chain in Food, the Thai Chamber of Commerce, the Thai Future Food
anticipation of future expansion into high-potential export markets. Trade Association, Suranaree University of Technology (SUT),
These markets include the plant-based and alternative protein the Office of National Higher Education Science Research and
sector, the health food industry, premium restaurants, as well as Innovation Policy Council (NXPO), the Agricultural Research
the animal feed and pet food sectors. The core approaches include: Development Agency (ARDA), the Department of Agriculture,
- Promoting farmers’ compliance with agricultural product the Department of Agricultural Extension, the National Bureau
standards set by the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives— of Agricultural Commodity and Food Standards (ACFS), and
specifically, the Good Aquaculture Practices (GAP) for Wolffia farms the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Additionally, key private
intended for food use. This initiative aims to enhance the quality of
raw materials, increase farmers’ incomes, and reduce reliance on sector players such as flo Wolffia, Wolffia X, Kreen Wolffia, and
imports. Wolffia farming networks from various provinces under the SUT
- Upgrading production facilities to meet international network are also involved. The collective aim is to boost the
standards, including the design of efficient production systems that domestic and international market value of Pham to 1 billion
minimize losses at every stage. This approach helps control baht by 2025, with a target to expand to 10 billion baht within
production costs effectively and enhances the global competitiveness the next 3–5 years.
of Wolffia products.
- Processing products in ways that align with modern
consumer behavior—for example, powdered Wolffia for beverages
or Wolffia in capsule form. This also involves promoting the use of More Information Service Info C001
innovation to enhance nutritional value and developing flavors that
better appeal to consumers. MAY 2025 FOOD FOCUS THAILAND 25

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