To stand out among the dizzying array of sweet treats that pack supermarket freezers from the likes of Haagen-Dazs and Ben & Jerry’s, an ice cream brand needs more than just flavour, says Thai entrepreneur Danupon Umnouypreechakul. It needs a story that sings.
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His company, Lamoon Group, is a boutique made-in-Thailand contender in an industry of global heavyweights. Its unique approach connects each flavour to the farmers who grow the ingredients, offering increasingly discerning – and higher spending – consumers a riveting tale to savour alongside every spoonful.
“It gave new meaning to every flavour … and our customers loved it,” Danupon said. “Now, when people enjoy our Marian plum or coconut ice cream, they’re also tasting the story of the farmer behind it.”
Ice cream heavyweight
Thailand is now Asia’s largest exporter of ice cream and ranks fourth globally.
This ascent was fuelled in part by acquisitions from Chinese conglomerates such as Yili Group, which have established cost-efficient manufacturing hubs in Thailand, making use of the country’s advanced cold chain and international freight networks to reach distant markets.
A blizzard of free trade agreements has also helped, granting Thai ice cream low or tariff-free entry into new territories.
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Over the years, Lamoon Group has expanded from a single shop to several branches across Thailand and now operates an export-ready factory.