Wolffia—an aquatic plant locally known in Thailand as kai-pum—is gaining global attention as a potential superfood. Rich in high-quality protein, essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, wolffia is increasingly being seen as an alternative protein source that could help satisfy growing global demand.

Float Meal, an agritech startup headquartered in Hokkaido, Japan, plans to establish a wolffia production base in Thailand in 2027. Thanks to Thailand’s warm climate, which is ideal for cultivating this aquatic plant, the company aims to construct several freshwater ponds to support efficient large-scale cultivation. Their goal is to produce thousands of tons of powdered wolffia annually for export to Japan.

The Government is actively promoting wolffia as a new economic crop, showcasing the diversity of the country’s agricultural products through modern technology and sustainable practices. The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives has also set standards and encouraged farmers to obtain GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) certification, which will help them penetrate global premium markets.