UBE moves forward with its cassava flour business in response to the global increase in wheat flour prices, positioning itself as an alternative during raw material shortages and price hikes. Alongside this effort, UBE has launched a new product, 'Tasuko Flour Batter Mix,' an innovative cassava flour that is gluten-free and MSG-free, offering delicious and crispy fried food that stays crispy for up to 40 minutes. This initiative elevates traditional cassava flour into crispy fried cassava flour, targeting health-conscious individuals who enjoy fried foods. UBE aims to expand its presence in the domestic market with these offerings.

Ms. Sureeyot Khowsurat, President of Ubon Bio Ethanol Public Company Limited or UBE, the largest well-integrated tapioca player in the northeast region of Thailand using cassava roots as raw materials, revealed that from the situation of the price of wheat flour raw materials in the world market has adjusted. Highest in many years Including competition to buy raw materials for wheat flour, resulting in a shortage of supply. This is because wheat flour is the main raw material used in various food industries.

Due to these challenges, cassava flour has garnered increased attention and demand in the market. Cassava flour offers properties and textures similar to wheat flour, making it a viable substitute. Moreover, it is gluten-free, appealing to individuals with gluten allergies and health-conscious consumers.

Ubon Sunflower Company Limited (UBS), a subsidiary of Ubon Bio Ethanol Public Company Limited (UBE), has innovated and developed various cassava-based processed products under the brand 'Tasuko'. These products are designed to meet market demands with key benefits such as being gluten-free and high in fiber. UBS recently introduced a new product under the Tasuko brand: Tasuko Flour Batter Mix, a Batter Mix innovation for crispy, delicious fried foods. Available in two flavors—original and spicy—the product is formulated without MSG or preservatives and maintains crispness for up to 40 minutes. This innovation enhances the production process to prioritize consumer health benefits.

"Tasuko" will concentrate its distribution strategy for the crispy fried flour products in modern trade stores like Foodland, Max Value, Top Market, Gourmet Market, and Lotus, among others. This includes a comprehensive advertising and public relations campaign, with a focus on organizing promotional events at key sales points. Additionally, plans are underway to set up demonstration booths to showcase cooking fried food menus, allowing consumers to sample the product firsthand. These initiatives aim to swiftly establish brand recognition among target audiences who appreciate both fried foods and health-conscious choices.

“Tasuko Flour Batter Mix Products represent an innovative leap for tapioca flour, transforming it into crispy fried cassava flour. Alongside our existing distribution of cassava flour for bakery goods, this marks a strategic move towards utilizing cassava in novel ways and promoting its use among Thai farmers. Cassava flour, celebrated for its gluten-free properties and suitability as a wheat flour substitute, is central to our business strategy. As a subsidiary of UBE, a leader in national organic tapioca starch exports, UBS aims to elevate the 'Tasuko' brand. Our goal is to expand awareness and adoption of cassava flour products among businesses, health-conscious consumers, and the general public in Thailand. To meet escalating market demand, UBS plans to ramp up production capacity from 100 tons to 300 tons this year.” Ms. Sureeyot said.

Currently, the cassava flour products under the brand "Tasuko" are categorized into three groups: 1) Organic Cassava Flour: This includes all-purpose organic cassava flour 2) Ready-made Mixed Cassava Flour: This group consists of the Bakery Flour Mix product, which is a ready-made mix of cassava flour designed for making bakery desserts. Products include cookies, brownies, pancakes, butter cupcakes, banana cakes, chiffon cakes, and crepe cakes. Additionally, the latest addition to this group is the Cassava Flour Batter Mix, an innovative crispy fried batter that promises delicious crispiness 3) Ready-to-Eat Products: This category is divided into two products: Brownie Brittle and Gluten-Free Bread: This includes white bread, artisan bread, and riceberry bread, all gluten-free options.