Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan Delegation Visits SMS to Gain Insights into Thailand’s Tapioca Starch Industry

On 13 August 2025, SMS warmly welcomes representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) of Japan. The visit aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the Thai tapioca starch industry, explore the versatile functions of tapioca starch, share knowledge, and strengthen opportunities for long-term collaboration.

The delegation is led by Dr. Werawat Lertwanawatana, CEO of SMS Corporation Co., Ltd., along with Mr. Khem Wanglee, Managing Directors of SMS Corporation Co., Ltd. The MAFF Japan representatives included Mr. Kenichi Sannabe, Director; Ms. Risa Suzuki, Assistant Director; Mr. Kouta Iizuka, Assistant Director; and Ms. Miho Nagai, Officer. They were accompanied by Mr. Hirofumi Saito, General Manager of Matsutani. The guests are warmly received by SMS starch representatives including Dr. Siwarutt Boonyarattanakalin, Assistant Innovation Director and Dr.Natdanai Fafaungwithayakul, Regional Sales Manager.

During the presentation, SMS offers a comprehensive overview of Thailand's tapioca supply and demand. The discussion highlights critical production challenges like pest infestations, crop diseases, and climate change, all of which can affect the crop's yield quality and production. SMS also underscores the versatility of tapioca starch, showcasing its wide-ranging applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and industrial sectors. The company emphasizes its ability to meet the evolving demands of the Japanese market.

A key focus is the SMS Farmer Membership program, a 32-year initiative built on trust and transparent root purchasing. This program also provides farmers with education on sustainable cassava farming practices, ensuring their livelihood and the long-term sustainability of the industry. 

The delegation concludes its visit with a tour of the SMS Innovation Center, a hub where ideas are transformed into new solutions. This tour highlights the company's capabilities and its readiness to meet Japan's starch demand with a consistent supply of high-quality products. The visit ultimately reinforces SMS’s commitment to providing reliable starch solutions to Japan, backed by a strong focus on innovation and sustainability. 

We extend our sincere thanks to MAFF Japan for their visit. With an annual production capacity of 400,000 tons, SMS stands ready as an innovative starch partner, combining expertise, experience, and innovation to develop modified starch solutions that meet global market demands while ensuring sustainable and reliable partner.