Page 77 - FoodFocusThailand No.239 March 2026

STRA
STRATEGIC R&DTEGIC R&D

FROM REDUCTION TO DESIGN:

A NEW PARADIGM IN MODERN

FOOD REFORMULATION

The global food and beverage industry is undergoing profound structural transformations. Traditionally,
product reformulation focused primarily on reducing specific components, such as sugar, sodium, or fat,
to comply with regulations and align with health trends. However, consumer expectations have become
increasingly complex. Consumers are no longer concerned solely with health; they also place greater
importance on environmental and social impacts, while still expecting uncompromising taste and a high-
quality consumption experience.

This shift has driven reformulation toward the concept of food scientists are expected to act as designers of product
Science-based Reformulation, a product redesign process experiences, integrators of interdisciplinary knowledge,
grounded in scientific principles, advanced technologies, strategists who understand the overall business landscape
and reliable data. Rather than incrementally modifying and global trends, and innovators willing to test new ideas.
existing recipes, this approach reimagines the food system This evolution marks a true transition to a new era for the
from scratch. Its three key objectives are to enhance food industry.
health value, promote sustainability, and create market
differentiation that is hard to replicate. Scientific Tools for Reformulation Design
In the past, research and development (R&D) was Science-based reformulation is not a trial-and-error process;
often viewed as a support function, performing formulation rather, it is a systematic design approach supported
testing, production process optimization, and quality control. by scientific tools and approaches. These tools enable
However, under Science-based Reformulation, R&D role has development of formulations that optimize product quality,
fundamentally evolved from a “problem solver” to a strategic health benefits, and manufacturability. Key approaches
partner that actively shapes business direction. Modern include:

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