The Fruit Innovation Fair (FIF) 2025, held from February 20–23 at Central Plaza Chanthaburi, featured a Dutch co-session co-organized by the Chanthaburi Chamber of Commerce and supported by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The event brought together businesses already active in Thailand to showcase proven innovations in controlled environment agriculture (CEA) and greenhouse systems. These aren't just concepts; these are technologies already making a difference on the ground.
© Chanthaburi Chamber of Commerce
From tomatoes to melons: Dutch tech in action
Mr. Menno Keppel, founder of Agri Solutions Asia, shared his hands-on experience adapting Dutch CEA technology to Thailand's tropical condition particularly through successful cultivation of tomatoes and strawberries. His company supports Thai farms in achieving high yields with minimal environmental impact using Dutch climate control systems. He's also actively collaborating with major Thai players, including PTT Public Company Limited, to bring high-value strawberry production to commercial scale.
© Chanthaburi Chamber of Commerce
Another highlight came from Rijk Zwaan, a leading Dutch seed breeding company, which introduced its premium melon varieties tailored for Thailand. With dedicated breeding programs and indoor production trials in Thai greenhouses, Rijk Zwaan is working directly with Thai growers and traders to develop melons that meet evolving consumer demands.
The session also featured a presentation by Mr. Gijs Theunissen, Agricultural Counsellor at the Netherlands Embassy, who outlined the Dutch horticultural model and how CEA offers solutions to climate and yield challenges in tropical environments. His talk emphasized collaboration between growers, researchers, and businesses to create adaptable and efficient food systems.
© Chanthaburi Chamber of Commerce
The FIF 2025 reinforced the value of Thai-Dutch collaboration not only in exchanging ideas but also in turning innovation into reality. With local implementation of Dutch tech by businesses already operating in Thailand, the foundation is strong for future partnerships that benefit farmers, consumers, and the planet.
Source: Agroberichten Buitenland