Durian, the King of Fruits, is Thailand’s top export earner. In 2021, Thai durian export value reaches 3.5 billion US dollars, with the annual growth rate of 68%. The People’s Republic of China (PRC) is the largest trading partner. Nowadays, food traceability is becoming important in a food supply chain as it provides consumers with information on the authenticity and credibility of the food they consume.
The project “Traceability of GAP-certified Durian Exports from Thailand to PRC” is led by Dr. Chai Wutiwiwatchai, NECTEC Executive Director, Dr. Wonnop Visessanguan, BIOTEC Executive Director and Secretary of Subcommittee of Bio Circular Green Economy-Food Sector, and Dr. Suporn Pongnumkul, leader of Human Behavior Analytics Research Team, NECTEC. The project addresses two main drivers for fresh fruit and vegetable traceability—regulatory requirements and the need for greater transparency. The demonstration pilot will deploy standardized and inter-operable traceability tools and digital solutions (GS1 traceability standards) to build consumer confidence and provide compliance evidence to regulators and trading partners, so that suppliers and retailers can provide detailed, verifiable, shareable information on product origin, to be able to authenticate products and enable product recalls in cases of food safety incidences.
The project is funded by Asia Development Bank (ADB) through Landell Mills Limited, UK, where NSTDA has been designated to take on the role of the technical lead for the pilot initiative. NSTDA will coordinate with other implementing partners such as the GS1 Thailand, Thammasat University and other institutes to support the delivery of capacity building and technical training on barcodes, traceability, GS1 standards, traceability platform customization, audit and verification, other technical services needed. Institutes and agencies participated in the project include Bureau of Foreign Agricultural Affairs (BOFAA), Office of Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, National Bureau of Agricultural Commodity and Food Standards (ACFS), National Food Institute (NFI), Department of Agriculture (DOA), Department of Agriculture and Extension (DOAE), Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO), Ministry of Commerce, Thammasat University and GS1 Thailand, Federation of Thai Industries, Ministry of Industry.