Exhibiting at Thaifex - Anuga Asia 2025

Kulao Thong Maepan Co., Ltd. is a Thai food processing company rooted in traditional fishing and preservation practices from the coastal province of Narathiwat. Headquartered in Tak Bai, the company is renowned for its expertise in the preparation and export of high-quality dried salted fish products, particularly the prized Kulao fish, a regional delicacy known for its texture, flavor, and cultural significance in Southern Thai cuisine.

Core Business

Kulao Thong Maepan Co., Ltd. specializes in the production, processing, and packaging of value-added seafood products derived from Kulao fish—a premium mackerel-like species native to Southern Thailand’s coastal waters. The company’s operations blend local artisanal methods with modern food safety standards, allowing for both domestic retail and international export readiness.

Product and Service Offerings

The company offers a range of traditional Thai seafood products, primarily under the Kulaothong brand:

• Dried Salted Kulao Fish

  • Whole Fish
  • Cut or Filleted Pieces

• Spicy Dried Kulao Fish Chili Dip

  • Original Recipe
  • Southern Thai Style (spicier and tangier variant)

• Dried Kulao Fish Floss

  • Finely shredded dried fish blended with local spices

• Shrimp Paste (Kapi)

  • Traditional fermented shrimp paste for cooking and dipping

• Fermented Fish Sauce (Nam Budu)

  • Liquid condiment made from fermented anchovies and salt, a Southern Thai staple

These products are processed using sun-drying, fermentation, and preservation techniques that reflect centuries-old practices, tailored for modern packaging and food hygiene standards.

Specialization and Core USP

Kulao Thong Maepan’s unique selling proposition lies in its dedication to preserving and commercializing Southern Thai food heritage. The Kulao fish, traditionally caught in Tak Bai’s coastal waters, is considered a premium product due to its firm flesh, umami flavor, and limited regional availability.

The company employs a traceable sourcing model, working directly with local fishing communities, and adheres to sustainable fishing practices. Their spicy chili dips and floss products transform traditional ingredients into shelf-stable, ready-to-eat formats with modern appeal.

Financial Performance

As a small-to-medium-sized enterprise (SME), detailed financial disclosures are not publicly available. However, Kulao Thong Maepan operates a profitable niche business with strong regional distribution in Thailand and selective exports to neighboring ASEAN countries. The company is supported by government SME development grants and has participated in domestic food innovation and export training programs.

Estimated annual revenues are in the range of THB 10–30 million, driven primarily by retail distribution, online sales, and direct export contracts.

International Shipments

While the company’s primary market is domestic, Kulao Thong Maepan has begun expanding its footprint into international markets, particularly among the following:

• Malaysia – Given geographical proximity and shared culinary traditions
• Singapore – Targeting the Thai and Malay diaspora communities
• Middle East – For Halal-certified seafood products catering to Muslim consumers

Export data indicates small-batch consignments of preserved fish products under HS Code 0305 (Dried, salted or smoked fish), primarily shipped to ethnic food distributors.

Target Market

The company serves a specialized target audience:

• Thai consumers seeking authentic Southern dishes
• Culinary professionals and chefs using premium dried fish
• Ethnic food retailers and ASEAN diaspora communities abroad
• Specialty grocery and gourmet stores with Southeast Asian sections

Kulao Thong Maepan also attracts food tourists and cultural culinary markets, leveraging the unique identity of Kulao fish and its origin-linked branding.

Capabilities

The company operates a coastal processing facility with the following capabilities:

• Open-air and controlled drying zones for fish dehydration
• Fermentation tanks for shrimp paste and fish sauce production
• Spice-blending and bottling lines for chili dips and fish floss
• Vacuum and MAP (Modified Atmosphere Packaging) packaging for export

Production capacity is scalable, with infrastructure for both local retail distribution and international containerized shipments.

Certifications and Compliance

Kulao Thong Maepan Co., Ltd. complies with local Thai FDA regulations and has received certifications supporting its domestic and regional market presence:

• Thai FDA Food Manufacturing License
• GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) Certification
• Halal Certification – Important for targeting Muslim consumers domestically and abroad
• SME Promotion Program Endorsement – Recognized under government SME development initiatives

These certifications enable broader market access and build trust among both retailers and end consumers.

Customer Testimonials

Regional and niche customer reviews have emphasized the authenticity and quality of Kulaothong products:

“The dried Kulao fish is unlike anything else—rich flavor and perfect texture for congee and fried dishes.” – Home Cook, Hat Yai
“Their Southern-style chili dip is a game-changer in our Thai products category. Bold flavor, great shelf-life.” – Distributor, Singapore

Major Achievements

• Brand Development: Created a premium local brand identity—Kulaothong—rooted in the geography and culture of Southern Thailand
• Food Innovation: Successfully converted traditional Kulao fish into shelf-stable, packaged formats with modern appeal
• Trade Fair Recognition: Participated in regional food exhibitions including OTOP (One Tambon One Product) and THAIFEX
• Sustainability Focus: Direct partnerships with Tak Bai fishermen to support local livelihoods and promote responsible sourcing

Kulao Thong Maepan Co., Ltd. continues to elevate traditional Thai seafood products to commercial scale with integrity, cultural authenticity, and a commitment to quality, representing a new wave of heritage food entrepreneurs in Thailand’s growing specialty food sector.