REGIONAL FOCUS - THAILAND
make chocolate through trial, research and practice, and I believe in sharing knowledge. The more exceptional chocolate Thailand produces, the stronger our reputation becomes as an origin.
Operating in Thailand comes with regional challenges, from climate considerations to distribution in a hot, humid environment. What operational strategies have been most crucial in scaling Siamaya while preserving quality? Thailand is warm enough to melt chocolate almost year round, and that shapes how we sell and distribute our products. We learned early on that chocolate sells best in places where customers can plan their next steps. Grocery stores are ideal because people are already heading home with refrigerated items. Duty free shops are perfect because tourists buy gifts and then head directly to their destinations. Our own retail shops allow customers to taste chocolate,
Bangkok. This keeps the chocolate stable even during the hottest months. Climate also impacts the cacao supply.
TRANSLATING DISHES LIKE
TOM KHA OR MASSAMAN INTO CHOCOLATE IS NOT SIMPLE, BUT IT IS FUN AND IT FEELS TRUE TO WHAT INSPIRES US IN CHIANG MAI
ask questions and return later when they know they can store it safely. For B2B and national distribution we rely
entirely on cold chain logistics. Everything moves through refrigerated trucks and a cold storage distribution centre in
Recent seasons have shown how climate change can disrupt harvests. In the past we could buy cacao one ton at a time, which helped cash flow. With more unpredictable conditions we are shifting toward building long term inventory. We are investing in more storage capacity so we can buy beans during peak season when quality and availability are highest, and then draw from that buffer during slower months. This approach protects us from sudden
price swings, although it ties up more capital in inventory. Balancing inventory needs with investment in equipment and factory upgrades is one of the biggest operational challenges we face as we scale. However, maintaining a stable supply of beans is essential for consistency and long term resilience.
22 • KENNEDY’S CONFECTION • DECEMBER/JANUARY 2025/26
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