Khaokhunmae Food And Beverage Co., Ltd. is a Thailand-based manufacturer and exporter of premium dried fruits, rice-based snacks, and germinated brown rice products. Located in That Phanom, Nakhon Phanom Province, the company specializes in crafting natural, healthy, and innovative snacks using Thailand’s indigenous agricultural resources, under the Khaokhunmae brand.
History and Background
Founded by Wilai Kruasri, Khaokhunmae Food And Beverage Co., Ltd. began as a small family business aimed at adding value to surplus banana harvests in Thailand’s northeastern provinces. With a mission to promote clean, traditional Thai snacking and preserve rural agricultural livelihoods, the company quickly grew into a recognized player in the Thai health food industry.
Driven by local pride and an emphasis on food innovation, the company’s expansion into brown rice snacks and germinated rice has attracted health-conscious consumers across Thailand and neighboring countries.
Core Business
The company operates in three core segments:
- Dried tropical fruit manufacturing
- Rice-based functional snack production
- Germinated brown rice processing and retail
Its product lineup serves both retail and bulk B2B customers, with a growing focus on export markets.
Product and Service Offerings
Dried Fruits
- Dried Banana: Sun-dried, chewy, high in potassium
- Dried Mango: Naturally sweetened, no added sugar variants
- Dried Papaya and Pineapple: Local tropical fruits dried without preservatives
Rice Snacks
- Pop Rice Cereal: Puffed rice bars mixed with sesame, fruit bits, and local syrups
- Grano Rice Fruit: Rice crisps infused with fruit puree for a balanced snack
- Sading: High-protein crispy rice snack blended with legumes and herbs
Germinated Brown Rice
- 6 varieties of sprouted rice with increased GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) and nutritional bioavailability
- Offered in both retail pouches and bulk export packs
Unique Strengths and Differentiators
- Farm-to-Fork Ethos: Sources raw materials directly from Isaan farming cooperatives
- Value-Added Agriculture: Focused on uplifting local farming communities through food innovation
- Functional Nutrition: Products designed for high fiber, low sodium, and high antioxidant content
- Clean Label Practices: Minimal use of preservatives, colorants, or artificial sweeteners
Financials and Business Scale
While Khaokhunmae is a private SME, estimates based on sector analysis suggest:
- Annual revenue: THB 10–15 million (~USD 280K–420K)
- Monthly output capacity: Over 15 metric tons of dried fruits and snack products
- Distribution in 300+ outlets across Thailand, including health stores and regional co-ops
Shipment Records
Although primarily domestic in focus, the company has recently initiated exports to niche international health food markets:
- Pilot exports to:
- Laos and Cambodia
- Vietnam and Malaysia (health food distributors)
- Most exported products:
- Germinated brown rice (in 1kg vacuum packs)
- Dried bananas and pop rice cereal bars
- Export packaging tailored for Asian wellness markets
Target Market
- Health-Conscious Consumers: Individuals seeking gluten-free, low-GI snacks
- Specialty Food Retailers: Organic and natural food shops
- Export Distributors: Health food wholesalers in Southeast Asia
- Institutional Buyers: Hospitals and wellness centers looking for dietary-safe food options
Manufacturing and Capabilities
- Facility Location: That Phanom, Thailand
- Processing Equipment:
- Solar and low-temperature dehydrators
- Popping and pressing equipment for rice snacks
- Vacuum packaging systems for germinated rice
- Packaging Sizes: 50g to 1kg, custom packaging available for OEM clients
Certifications and Compliance
- Thai FDA Approved
- MeSTI Compliance
- Halal Certification (for all snacks and dried fruits)
- Organic Certification (pending) for select germinated rice varieties
Customer Testimonials
From a wellness store owner in Bangkok:
“Khaokhunmae’s dried bananas are our top-selling natural snack. Customers appreciate the clean taste and simple ingredients.”
From a Vietnamese distributor:
“Their germinated rice is a standout. It's well-packaged, nutrient-rich, and ideal for our diabetic-friendly food portfolio.”
Major Achievements
- Awarded by the Thai Ministry of Agriculture for product innovation using local crops
- Finalist in the Thailand Community Enterprise Showcase 2022
- Selected participant in SME Export Accelerator Program 2023
- Featured in ThaiPBS and OTOP promotional campaigns as a model for rural entrepreneurship
Khaokhunmae Food And Beverage Co., Ltd. represents a new generation of socially driven Thai food enterprises, blending traditional knowledge with health-conscious product development to meet modern consumer demands while strengthening rural economies.
