While the global birthrate has declined in recent years due to economic constraints and the effects of social distancing, the trend of pet humanisation has gained momentum, with many considering animals as their best companions or family members. This exponential growth in the demand for pet food has significant implications for quality and long-term investment plans.
The latest addition to the product lineup, "Botany Petcare," has been launched by NR Instant Produce Public Company Limited (NRF), a global food manufacturing company and one of Thailand's leading plant-based product brands. This launch underscores the company's commitment to combating climate change and caring for the environment.
NRF has been working on sustainable food ecosystem strategies for the past three years. According to Dan Pathomvanich, Chief Executive Officer of NR Instant Produce Public Company Limited (NRF), "Our past efforts have seen both success and challenges in achieving our net-zero goal by 2030. Addressing the decarbonisation issue requires action not only in the manufacturing process but also across the entire supply chain."
NRF's foray into the plant-based products sector is seen as a fresh start with fewer challenges in changing consumer behaviour and greater opportunities for leading the trend. As part of their drive towards sustainability, NRF's 2024 plans include supply chain management reform from upstream to downstream.
Dan Pathomvanich explained, "The direction of the food industry is influenced by supermarket businesses, where consumer prices force supply chain players to adjust costs to ensure profitability. With the addition of the new manufacturing facility, we reaffirm our commitment to support future growth and enhance our competitive capabilities in international markets."
In many overseas countries, more than 60% of supermarkets focus on carbon emissions, requiring food suppliers to offer certified carbon-free products to gain approval from retailers or wholesalers. Products with a lower carbon footprint can accelerate sales in international markets, bringing the company closer to its net-zero goal.
NRF's upstream retail business, Bamboo Mart, in the UK has already gained recognition with over 500 listings of the company's ethnic food brands among locals. This ownership of supermarkets allows NRF to control costs, especially at the base of the supply chain.
Dan Pathomvanich emphasised the importance of supporting farmers: "Farmers are a crucial part of the supply chain that Thailand must not overlook. The urgency of climate change has prompted the food industry to educate agricultural workers to transition from traditional farm waste burning to sustainable farming practices. Agricultural waste is converted into biocarbon and biooil, and 'carbon offset' is achieved through Carbon Credit Trading based on nationwide farming practices. However, financial support is also essential for farmers to make this transition."
NRF's solutions for the agriculture sector include providing financial support to farmers in exchange for their participation in sustainability education and waste collection programs. The revenue generated from NRF's new retail business strategy in the UK is expected to exceed 1 million baht per week, benefiting farmers by reducing middlemen's cuts.
To accelerate progress towards their net-zero goal, NRF is collaborating with e-commerce trade partners as part of an omnichannel approach to reduce the carbon footprint associated with logistics.
The journey towards net-zero is fraught with challenges, as global development has rapidly evolved over the decades. NRF's commitment to becoming a 'Global Clean Food Tech Company' positions their food products as not only providing a delightful consumer experience but also contributing to sustainable business practices in the fight against global warming.
