Malee creates new unit for value-added drive

The creation of the new research subsidiary, Malee Applied Science Co Ltd (MAS), was officially marked yesterday. Seven researchers are engaged in developing HVA products that will help ensure sustainability for farmers while enhancing the group’s overall competitiveness.
Roongchat Boonyarat, chief executive officer of Malee Group Plc, said that the group would allocate a research budget of about Bt30 million a year to MAS. The research subsidiary would be at work over the next three to four years before it generates any significant return to the group commercially.
“It will take between three and four years for each advance in research for high-value-added products will have any result,” said Roongchat,
“MAS will primary position itself as a cost centre. However, it will become a significant profit centre in the next three to four years.”
She said that MAS will develop HVA agricultural products that generate sustainable income for farmers while ensuring stable supply chain sourcing for greater competitiveness and growth. These two elements are essential in moving Malee forward in its mission to become a “health-driven global F&B firm”, Roongchat said.
“MAS is considered Malee Group’s CSR-in-process operation and follows the approach that Malee has been taking for over 40 years, which is to think of others first so that we can grow together. This is an important foundation for our concept of Growing Well Together with four major stakeholders—consumers, the Malee family, the environment, and farmers,” she said.
Supakeat Kambutong, managing director of Malee Applied Science Co Ltd (MAS), said that Malee Group’s “secret weapon” for research and development to support MAS’ mission is four clusters: 1) Cluster H (health and life-science products) for developing products based on advancements in life sciences for better health and well-being; 2) Cluster E (environment and energy) for creating value-added raw materials and optimising their full use with zero waste, which enhances energy efficiency and environmental sustainability; 3) Cluster V (visionary sciences and advanced materials) for developing smart and light substances from agricultural raw materials that can be used as alternative materials; and 4) Cluster I (Internet of Things and services) to communicate and connect all over the world using digital tools in daily life, creating useful data and enabling a smart research facility.
Malee Group yesterday also launched Vintico, a 100-per cent natural coconut vinegar, which is the first product developed by MAS to enter the market. MAS uses the latest technology to better manage agricultural raw materials, such as excess coconut water required for ready-to-drink coconut water production due to an insufficient growing or ripening period, or an undesirable level of sweetness that may affect the taste.
“Going forward, you will see Malee Group diversify our portfolio from producing and distributing canned fruit and fruit juices into other lines of business,” said Roongchat.
“We will also continue to create innovations that meet consumer demands under our ‘Go Health and Wellness’ strategy. By researching and developing innovative breakthroughs, MAS will add and optimise value for agricultural products and ensure greater sustainability for farmers.
“Following the Vintico launch, Malee Group will continue to introduce a wide range of innovative products that will help us to become a health-driven global F&B firm.”