CP Foods Mentors Brunei’s Youth to Achieve Third Place in International Plant-based Food Competition
Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CP Foods) has recently made a significant impact in the field of sustainable food innovation by mentoring a group of postgraduate scholars from Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB). The company’s expertise in plant-based food development was crucial in aiding the team creating localized plant-based foods. Their collaborative efforts led to an impressive third-place finish at the ProVeg Food Innovation Challenge APAC 2023, showcasing CP Foods’ dedication to fostering young talent and advancing the sustainable food industry in Asia.
Peemdej Utsahajit, Director of Open Innovation at CPF Research and Development Center, highlighted the company’s focus on embracing technological and innovative advancements in food production and consumption, aligning with global food trends. CP Foods actively seeks partnerships with top food technology institutes and students globally to co-create innovative food products. This approach is part of their Open Innovation concept, aimed at enhancing food security. In association with ProVeg, a regional food organization, CP Foods has played a key role in educating a new generation of researchers on plant-based meat production for three consecutive years during the ProVeg Food Innovation Challenge APAC.
This year, CP Foods lent its expertise to the ‘Protein-Packed Power Bowl’ team, which included postgraduate students from the School of Applied Science and Mathematics at the Brunei University of Technology. The team developed the ‘Nasi Kerabu Bliss Bowl,’ a plant-based dish inspired by Malay cuisine with a focus on nutritional value and Halal compliance, catering to the needs of Muslim consumers in Asia. This project aligns with CP Foods’ vision of promoting sustainable and health-conscious eating in Asia. The team’s innovative approach secured them third place at the Challenge 2023, reflecting their potential in the expanding Halal market and underscoring CP Foods’ commitment to sustainable food innovation.
CP Foods offers comprehensive mentorship in academic research and market trend analysis, essential for developing new, attractive, and healthy food products. The company focuses on selecting raw materials that ensure great taste and high nutritional value, while also being cost-effective for large-scale production and market success. The success of the Bruneian team highlights their potential in the growing Halal market, further emphasizing CP Foods’ dedication to sustainable food innovation.
The ProVeg Food Innovation Challenge APAC 2023 has emerged as a crucial platform for Asia’s next generation to develop and display plant-based meat innovations that contribute to a healthier and more sustainable food industry. This year’s challenge witnessed participation from 1,093 students from 260 universities across the Asia-Pacific region.
