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Edible Insect Production in Thailand: Sustainable Supply Chain Management
by
, , , , and
Sasiprapa Krongdang
1
,
Karthikeyan Venkatachalam
2,
Thararat Chitov
3,4,
Sutee Wangtueai
5
,
Jittimon Wongsa
6,7
,
Thanya Parametthanuwat
6,8
and
Narin Charoenphun
9,*
1
Faculty of Science and Social Sciences, Burapha University Sa Kaeo Campus, Sa Kaeo 27160, Thailand
2
Faculty of Innovative Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Prince of Songkla University, Surat Thani Campus, Makham Tia, Mueang, Surat Thani 84000, Thailand
3
Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
4
Environmental Science Research Center (ESRC), Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
5
School of Agro-Industry, Faculty of Agro-Industry, Chiang Mai University, Mae Hia, Muang, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
6
Faculty of Industrial Technology and Management, King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok (Prachinburi Campus), Muang 25230, Thailand
7
Food and Agro-Industry Research Center, King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok, Bangkok 10800, Thailand
8
KMUTNB Techno Park Prachinburi, King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok (Prachinburi Campus), Muang 25230, Thailand
9
Faculty of Science and Arts, Burapha University Chanthaburi Campus, Chanthaburi 22170, Thailand
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Insects 2025, 16(8), 827; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16080827
Submission received: 5 July 2025
/
Revised: 4 August 2025
/
Accepted: 6 August 2025
/
Published: 8 August 2025
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Insects: A Unique Bioresource for Agriculture and Humanity)
Simple Summary
The edible insect sector in Thailand has been steadily growing in economic value; however, gaps remain in knowledge regarding its sustainability and supply chain management. This study explores opportunities for the sustainable supply chain management of edible insects by applying a TOWS matrix analysis derived from a SWOT assessment of Thailand’s edible insect industry. The analysis identifies actionable strategies to help insect farm businesses enhance product quality, encourage innovation, and seize opportunities in global markets. Furthermore, the development of the insect sector also aligns with Thailand’s bio-circular green (BCG) economy model and contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighting insects as innovative, sustainable alternative protein sources to traditional livestock farming.
Abstract
This study aims to foster a guideline for sustainable supply chain management for edible insect production through a comprehensive review and critical analysis of the current situation, focusing especially on Thailand’s perspective. It addresses the traditional culture and modern practice of insect consumption and how these factors affect current production for commercial purposes. The advantages of nutritional values and farming with edible insects over traditional livestock farming are highlighted. A threats, opportunities, weaknesses, and strengths (TOWS) matrix analysis, producing action-oriented strategies, was based on an analysis of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) of Thailand’s edible insect industry. The strategies include enhancement of production and product quality, innovation of intelligent production techniques and agriculture, fortification of branding and product development, encouragement of research and development investment, and the promotion of local product identity. The analysis emphasizes the value of sustainable supply chain management and advocates for the advancement of the bio-circular green (BCG) economy strategy for the edible insect industry. It also emphasizes the importance of stakeholder collaboration and implementing regulations to ensure food safety and sustainable production.
Keywords:
supply chain; edible insects; sustainability; BCG model; TOWS matrix; policy
