Thai Innovation Shines! Four Thai Companies Win THAIFEX – HOREC ASIA Innovation Awards 2026

The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), in collaboration with the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) and Koelnmesse (KM), Germany, organisers of THAIFEX – HOREC ASIA 2026, have announced the winners of the THAIFEX – HOREC ASIA Innovation Awards, an international competition recognising innovation within the HoReCa (Hotel, Restaurant, Café and Catering) industry.

The awards ceremony was held during THAIFEX – HOREC ASIA 2026 on 11 March 2026, honouring products that demonstrate creative concepts and effectively respond to the evolving needs of the modern HoReCa industry. Participants from around the world took part in the competition.

This year, four Thai companies successfully won the THAIFEX – HOREC ASIA Innovation Awards 2026, reflecting the capability of Thai businesses to develop products that integrate design, innovation, and sustainability.

One of the award winners is SONITE with its product “Alan Plate”, tableware developed from discarded eggshells—materials that are typically thrown away immediately after use. These waste materials have been transformed into a new product that combines aesthetic appeal with everyday practicality, while also reflecting the concept of responsible resource utilisation.

Nithiphan Darakananda, Director of Sonite Innovative Surfaces Co., Ltd., explained that eggshells are inherently a sustainable material. In developing the product, the company did not simply incorporate eggshells as an ingredient but also carefully studied ways to reduce the carbon footprint throughout the production process. This includes increasing the proportion of solar energy used in manufacturing and evaluating all related components—such as energy consumption, electricity, and materials—to ensure sustainability is embedded throughout the entire production process, not just in the final product.

Another winner is Kenkoon, a Thai outdoor furniture brand, with its product “Tavolo”—an outdoor dining table that integrates kitchen functionality into a single piece of furniture. The concept allows outdoor dining spaces to be transformed into a shared cooking and dining experience around one table.

Metchanun Suensilpong, Chief Executive Designer of Kenkoonex Co., Ltd., explained that the product was developed with a multi-functional design concept, combining several uses within one piece to reduce resource consumption and maximise the efficiency of space utilisation. The design also follows the philosophy of “Repair, Not Replace”, using durable materials that allow only specific worn components to be replaced when necessary, thereby extending the product’s lifespan beyond typical furniture standards.

Meanwhile, PASAYA received the award for its “Wall Mural”, a three-dimensional textile artwork made from upcycled fibres derived from plastic waste. The material has been developed into a wall decoration that offers both aesthetic appeal and durability, while providing functional suitability for modern interior spaces.

Ratiya Chantian, Managing Director of Textile Gallery Co., Ltd., said:

“We wanted to create a material that could reuse fibres from plastic waste in significant quantities. Once installed, it is designed to have a long lifespan, ensuring the materials do not return to becoming waste again.”

Another award-winning innovation comes from Tevaphan Co., Ltd, the producer of the tea brand “NOKYOONG”, for its “Bio PBS Coffee Capsules”. These capsules are made from home-compostable bioplastic, which can naturally decompose in soil within approximately one year, helping reduce the waste problem caused by conventional coffee capsules that require specialised disposal processes.

Thanet Dharmikavongs, Managing Director of Tevaphan Co., Ltd, explained that most coffee capsules currently available on the market require industrial composting systems to decompose—facilities that are still not widely available in Thailand. The company therefore developed capsules that can be buried in soil and biodegrade naturally within about one year, enabling hotels and restaurants to manage waste more conveniently and efficiently.

The THAIFEX – HOREC ASIA Innovation Awards represent a significant recognition for innovation within the HoReCa industry, highlighting future industry directions while encouraging entrepreneurs worldwide to develop products that respond to the demands of innovation, design, and sustainability.

The organisation of THAIFEX – HOREC ASIA 2026 this year further reinforces Thailand’s role as a regional hub for the HoReCa industry in Asia, while creating opportunities for both Thai and international businesses to expand trade networks, exchange knowledge, and establish global collaborations.

THAIFEX – HOREC ASIA 2026 is open for business negotiations throughout all three days from 10.00–18.00 hrs. Interested participants can find more information and pre-register at www.thaifex-horec.asia.