The Israeli Embassy recently unveiled a remarkable spectacle of innovation within the food industry during their food technology extravaganza, “Savour the Future of Food”, held at the esteemed Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok. The event showcased the evolution of food technology with a focus on alternative food production, drawing in numerous enthusiasts from diverse sectors of the market, including high-profile governmental representatives, industry stakeholders, and esteemed private sector professionals who contribute to the booming fields of cultivated meat, plant-based product development, revolutionary fermentation technologies, and sugar reduction strategies.
Among the distinguished attendees, Thailand’s celebrated culinary expert, ML Sirichalerm Svasti (famed as Chef McDang) was also in presence. A significant highlight of the occasion was the introduction of 14 pioneering Israeli start-ups, marking the grandest display of Israeli food technology ever witnessed outside of Israel’s borders.
The event spotlighted conversation-starting attractions including exhibits and interactive displays of futuristic food innovations such as laboratory-cultivated meat, dairy alternatives independently produced without the necessity of cattle, and honey variants developed without the involvement of bees.
Israel’s Ambassador Orna Sagiv expressed her enthusiasm about the event, identifying it as a substantial stepping-stone within the partnership between Israel and Thailand. “Leveraging our combined strengths as innovative nations – Israel leading in foodtech start-ups and Thailand’s dominance within the food industry – we are poised to ignite a global revolution in food technology,” the Israeli diplomat declared. She went on to express her belief in Thailand’s potential transformation into the ‘Kitchen of the World’.
Mirroring these sentiments was Tomer Shpilman, chief of Israel’s Economic and Trade Mission. Shpilman extolled the dynamic participation of the convention’s attendees, appreciating their readiness to challenge the status quo. According to him, “We are on the threshold of a transformative historic moment and take immense pride in our vital role in this planet-preservation initiative by reformulating future food perspectives.”
The event also allowed for discussions about the benefits such collaborations and innovations would bring to individual nations. Santi Abakaz, the CEO of the Thai food innovation company Tastebud Lab, put forth his views on how Thailand could effectively capitalise on alliances with other countries and bolster its position as a global food industry leader while simultaneously ensuring food safety. Santi also suggested a concurrent focus on enhancing the local consumer awareness about sustainability and food tech advancements in Thailand.
In a testament to Israel’s technological advancement, data released by the Embassy highlighted the country’s emergence as the second most favoured investment destination for alternative proteins since 2020. This accounts for around 10% of all global investments, amounting to an astounding US$1.2 billion (42.93 billion baht).
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