BEDO Elevates 10 Community Enterprises Into Global Biotech Trade
BEDO's Community Bioproduct Upgrading Project has transformed 10 community enterprises into commercial entrepreneurs, generating over 10 million baht in preliminary sales at Bio Trade Connect 2026 with aims to reach 100 million baht by 2027
The Office of Bioeconomy Development, a public organization known as BEDO, has unveiled the success of its Community Bioproduct Upgrading Project (Product Champion) designed to help community enterprises enter commercial markets. The program has cultivated 10 community enterprises into genuine entrepreneurs, pioneering product negotiations at Bio Trade Connect 2026, where over 30 business-matching pairs were formed and preliminary sales values exceeded 10 million baht, with a goal to reach 100 million baht by 2027.
Dr. Tanit Changthawarun, BEDO director, explained that the project aims to leverage local biodiversity and traditional knowledge to create economic value in alignment with the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry's policy on sustainable bioeconomy use. The initiative transforms community enterprises from local producers into smart entrepreneurs by providing expert guidance, specialized consultancy, and product improvements tailored to modern consumer lifestyles and current distribution channels. Through deep development efforts, the 10 upgraded products have already generated over 1 million baht in preliminary negotiations.
The project involved studying product data and consumer trends before refining offerings and testing markets. Five prototype products were then distributed through Thai Herbal Pride stores, which operate nine branches across Bangkok, and through the Nexgen commerce online platform. These include Mangostein Freeze-Dried Mini-Pops, Chumphon Persimmon Amla Body Wash, Sokun Natural Silk Soap Sets, and naturally dyed tile-patterned phone pouches and woven crossbody bags.
To capitalize on this momentum, BEDO brought all 10 upgraded community enterprises to the business-matching sessions at Bio Trade Connect 2026, a major trade forum gathering distributors, retailers, and leading partners. The sessions generated over 30 business-matching pairs, creating trading values exceeding 10 million baht and demonstrating that Thai community bioproducts are market-ready and genuinely in demand.
BEDO emphasized that success extends beyond product upgrading to sustainable economic development. By transforming biodiversity resources and local wisdom into tangible value through employment, income generation, and business opportunities, the initiative strengthens community enterprise capacity for lasting impact.
