The National Food Institute (NFI) of Thailand, operating under the Ministry of Industry, is a leading government-backed organization dedicated to the advancement, innovation, and global promotion of Thailand’s food industry. Founded in 1996, the NFI serves as a central hub for research, training, certification, and business development for stakeholders across the Thai food value chain.
Core Business
The NFI’s primary mission is to elevate the competitiveness of Thai food entrepreneurs—ranging from SMEs to large exporters—through comprehensive services that span:
- Food safety testing and certification
- Innovation and research in future food trends
- Export promotion and international business matching
- Capacity building and training
The Institute operates under the umbrella of the Foundation for Industrial Development (FID) and aligns its operations with Thailand’s Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy policy framework to foster sustainable food system development.
Product and Service Offerings
1. Food Safety and Analytical Testing
- Accredited laboratories (ISO/IEC 17025) offering:
- Microbiological and chemical food testing
- Food fraud database management
- Novel food registration and assessment
- Works closely with the Thai FDA, Department of Agriculture, and Halal Science Center
2. Training and Certification
- Conducts technical training in:
- GMP, HACCP, ISO 22000
- Halal food standards
- Risk assessment and traceability systems
- Annually trains over 15,000 food professionals nationwide
3. Business Development & Export Promotion
- Offers business matching programs to connect Thai food exporters with international buyers
- Provides market trend analysis, feasibility studies, and export readiness assessments
- In 2023, facilitated export consultation for over 700 food SMEs
4. Food Innovation & R&D
- Supports new product development, including:
- Functional foods
- Plant-based proteins
- Thai heritage and ethnic foods
- Operates pilot-scale food processing facilities
- Hosts the Thai Future Food Platform, promoting innovation clusters and venture linkage
5. Proficiency Testing Programs
- Offers proficiency testing schemes in both microbiological and chemical parameters for over 120 participating laboratories, ensuring continual compliance and inter-laboratory performance
Specialization and Core USP
NFI's unique position as a semi-autonomous government organization gives it the dual flexibility of a private consultancy and the policy backing of a public institution. Its strengths include:
- Integration of technical expertise and regulatory knowledge
- Cutting-edge infrastructure for testing and innovation
- Close ties with global partners, including JETRO, APEC Food Safety Cooperation Forum, ASEAN Food Testing Network
Financials and Scale
- Government and project-based funding: Approx. THB 400 million (USD 11 million) annually
- More than 200 professionals, including food scientists, regulatory experts, and market analysts
- Over 4,000 business clients served annually
Shipment and Export Impact
Although NFI is not a commercial exporter, its programs directly support the export activities of over 1,000 Thai food producers each year. According to trade-related impact reports:
- Assisted companies represent more than USD 600 million in food exports annually
- Notable markets include Japan, China, the U.S., Vietnam, and the Middle East
Target Market
NFI serves a wide spectrum of clients:
- Food SMEs and startups seeking technical support and certification
- Large manufacturers requiring R&D and export readiness
- International buyers looking for verified and innovative Thai food suppliers
- Government agencies needing policy support and industry analysis
Capabilities
- ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratories
- Pilot plants for beverages, snacks, and functional foods
- Digital tools for food safety traceability
- Hosting of the Thai Food Heritage Center for culture-based culinary innovation
Certifications and Compliance
- ISO/IEC 17025 Accreditation (Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research)
- Compliance with FAO, WHO Codex Alimentarius, and ASEAN Harmonized Standards
- Recognized as a National Reference Lab for Food Analysis
Customer Testimonials
Various SMEs and exporters have praised NFI’s role in helping them:
- Improve international compliance
- Create value-added product lines
- Secure certifications for Middle East and European markets
Statements from past program evaluations note satisfaction levels of over 92% for training effectiveness and 89% for technical support delivery.
Major Achievements
- Developed Thailand’s first national food fraud database
- Successfully positioned Thailand as an ASEAN leader in future food innovation
- Played a pivotal role in defining Thailand’s “Kitchen of the World” strategy
- Partnered in the Food Innopolis Initiative, a national cluster of food innovation parks
- Published over 100 industry reports and policy papers on food safety, future food, and market intelligence
Through science-based support, regulatory alignment, and innovation leadership, the National Food Institute remains a key enabler of Thailand’s ambition to become a world-class food innovation hub.
