Bangkok-headquartered Rama Production Company distributes ingredients for many global manufacturers in Thailand, but this is the first time it has created its own ingredient, an enzymatic compound for binding and texture improvement, under the brand name ProtiAct.
Introducing the ingredient at Fi-Asia in Bangkok, the company called ProtiAct a super transglutaminase compound, and said it was intended mainly for meat, fish and other protein products for the Thai market, but also for Thai bakery and specialty products.
Group product manager at Rama Production, Parinya Roengpithak, told FoodNavigator-Asia: "Fish balls in Thailand need to be spongy, firm, and elastic, with a sharp bite. Each region in Asia has a different preference for fish ball texture."
Manufacturers in other Southeast Asian countries could also be interested in the ingredient, but Rama Production is planning to remain in its home market for the time being.
"Probably in the next three to five years we will look to neighbouring countries, but we have no plans to open other branches at the moment," Roengpithak said.
In particular, the ingredient would allow companies to use less fish (or other protein) and add more water and starch without compromising on texture, thereby reducing costs, he said.
Roengpithak said that the companys production facility for ProtiAct in Samutsakorn is ready to begin production, but although the ingredient is already registered with Thailands Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Rama Production is waiting for final food safety certification, expected later this year.
He said that the new ingredient should begin to appear on the market early in 2012.