Phetchaburi: Dee Prom, under the Department of Industrial Promotion (DIPROM), is spearheading efforts to transform agricultural processing into a robust agro-industry, with "Lemon Gold" in Phetchaburi serving as a prime example. The initiative aims to enhance production standards and integrate innovation and technology to add value, particularly focusing on local Geographical Indication (GI) products like Phetchaburi's lemons, with aspirations to connect them to international markets.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Nattiya Netayasupa, Director-General of DIPROM, led a delegation to Lemon Gold (LMG) Co., Ltd. in Phetchaburi Province. LMG, a small and medium enterprise, has evolved its agricultural product development and processing, backed by various government agencies including DIPROM. Support has been in the form of skills and knowledge to craft new products from agricultural produce using innovative methods and technology. This includes creating products from production waste, aligning with the Zero Waste initiative, thereby strengthening the entire value chain from "upstream to downstream."
Mr. Wiwat Pringjamras, Managing Director of LMG, highlighted that Phetchaburi's lemons, recognized as a GI product, faced challenges with surplus and low prices during peak seasons. This issue prompted the company to process fresh lemons into 100% juice, initially for restaurants, then expanding to food manufacturers in Bangkok and Phetchaburi. LMG also offers Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) services, producing 10 tons of frozen lemon juice monthly for modern trade markets, distributed nationwide.
Furthermore, LMG has innovated by transforming excess lemon peels and lemons from the juice process into high-value products. Essential oils extracted from the peels are utilized in cosmetics and skincare products, such as facial mists and alcohol sprays, adding value and managing industrial waste effectively. This aligns with the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) economy concept, providing Phetchaburi farmers with broader market avenues for their produce.
Lemon Gold's collaboration with government agencies has led to the development of zero-waste products, including a prototype "Lemon Foot Spray" that incorporates herbs to eliminate odors and bacteria. This innovation reduces waste and increases product value by over 200%, with initial domestic sales planned through various channels. Additionally, LMG is working towards ISO 22000:2018 certification to boost the safety and hygiene of its products, potentially increasing sales growth by 14.20%.
Looking ahead to 2026, LMG aims to participate in the Upcycling for Sustainable Lifestyle project to create high-value products from local industrial waste, including processing lemon peels into artificial leather. Dee Prom's reform policy focuses on shifting Thailand's agro-processing industry from traditional agriculture to high-value agro-industry, leveraging technology and innovation to expand the global reach of Thai products.
In 2025, Dee Prom supported 538 agricultural processing businesses, leading to 41 new product developments and generating over 1.2 billion baht in economic value.