From beans to breakthroughs, sustainable coffee innovation took center stage at AU.
Brewing Innovation, One Cup at a Time
The Theophane Venard School of Food Biotechnology and Innovation, Assumption University of Thailand (AU), successfully hosted the seminar “The Next Coffee Wave: Entrepreneurial Innovation in Sustainable Coffee and Alternative Sweeteners” on February 5, 2026, at Hua Mak Campus. The session brought together students, faculty, and industry-minded innovators for a deep dive into where coffee science, sustainability, and entrepreneurship intersect.
Industry Insight from Duchess Thailand
The seminar featured Similan Chalermthanakom, Chief Product Officer, R&D Director, and Product Development Specialist at Duchess Thailand, who shared real-world perspectives from the forefront of product innovation. Drawing on her experience in research-driven product development, she explored how sustainable sourcing, alternative sweeteners, and consumer health trends are reshaping the future of coffee.
Students gained valuable insight into how scientific knowledge translates into scalable, market-ready products, highlighting the growing demand for healthier, more sustainable beverage solutions in both domestic and global markets.
From Classroom to Coffee Counter
Organized as part of the FT4301 Alternative Sweeteners and BS2021 Basic Biochemistry course, the seminar exemplified AU’s commitment to applied learning and industry engagement. By connecting academic theory with practical case studies, the session encouraged students to think critically about innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship within the food and beverage sector.
The event also reinforced the Theophane Venard School of Food Biotechnology and Innovation’s mission to prepare future professionals who can respond creatively to evolving consumer expectations while contributing responsibly to environmental and social sustainability.
WRITER: THE AU LIBRARY
More Information about Theophane Venard School of Food Biotechnology and Innovation, please visit:
Website: https://foodbiotech.au.edu/
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E-mail: biotech@au.edu
Tel: (+66)-2783-2222; Ext. 3796, 3794, 3793
