1ST Runner Up Central RegionCalamansi JuiceHow innovative production processes turn Chanthaburi’s traditional drink into premium product
Rabbit Chan Co., Ltd.
Chanthaburi
Brand : Rabbit Chan
Calamansi, or Mapeed in Thai, is a sour citrus fruit that can be seen growing in almost every home in Chanthaburi province. The fruit is traditionally used for seasoning instead of lime and is also used to produce drinks during religious rituals. The juice, however, is normally packaged in simple plastic bottles and can only last a few days. Though the calamansi juice has a unique aroma, with a sweet and sour taste like orange, the traditional juicing method can make it bitter due to essential oils from the rind. This extraction method also reduces the juice’s shelf life.
Ms.Worapachara Wongcharoen, CEO of Rabbit Chan Co., Ltd., decided to overcome this problem by creating a more standardized production system, in which all the ingredients used are carefully selected and regulated equipment and machines used. The juice extracted was also pasteurized and packaged in glass bottles. This production process and packaging have extended the shelf life of the juice by a year, without any use for preservatives or refrigeration, and also improved its taste.
“We developed a production process for Mapeed juice that is more standardized and cleaner. The production process retains the delicious taste and freshness, cutting out the bitterness of the rind, because the juicer has been designed to match the size of the fruit. We have also optimized the temperature and time to ensure the juice tastes like it is freshly squeezed after being bottled,” Worapachara said.
The company initially targeted consumers, before expanding to other businesses and reaching out to coffee shops. It now plans to make its juice more widely available, so it can also penetrate the tourism market.
Apart from calamansi juice, the company has also developed many other calamansi -based products like juice concentrate, jelly with collagen, powder, candies as well as cosmetics. The products are available at Punthai coffee shops, Gold Place and Lemon Farm branches nationwide. It is also being stocked at some Tops supermarkets.
The company currently harvests about 1 ton of calamansi fruit monthly, but expects to soon start requiring me. Hence, it plans to expand its plantation network from 32 farming households to 100.
InnovationThis beverage made from Chanthaburi’s calamansi oranges is delicious and uniquely sour without the bitterness brought by essential oils from the peel. This was achieved by a new squeezing and sterilization technique in which only the juice is extracted under controlled temperatures. This technique keeps the juice fresh and tasting like it has been freshly squeezed. The product can be stored for up to one year without refrigeration, making it easy for sale in local and international markets.
GrowthThe company first began by selling its calamansi products via Golden Place and Lemon Farm stores. In the second year, it began introducing its calamansi juice to cafes, so they could develop new beverages. This year, the company plans to boost brand awareness on online platforms and expand the market to cover more businesses.
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