RDC oversees Betagro’s research and development work as well as support all the business units. Its main focus is on pet foods, animals’ health, livestock, food products and packaging. Betagro uses the Stage-Gate Approach in developing new products following these 5 steps: 1) Specifying the scope, 2) Creating business plans, 3) Implementing the plans, 4) Testing and Auditing, and 5) Marketing. All these steps enable Betagro to prioritize innovations and feasible ideas for maximum benefits from results.

Betagro’s RDC has also been assigned the research and development work of livestock genetics and veterinary science in order to improve Betagro’s livestock genetics and to increase the outcomes. Examples of previous successes include:

Pathogen Detection Technology in Food

Normally, pathogen in food causes productivity loss at approximately 2-3% of the total productivity. This is measured by the proportion of the annual rejected volume to the annual production volume as per the standards of the Food and Drug Administration and the Department of Livestock. Betagro’s RDC carried out studies and applied the pathogen biology detection technology in its factories to support the food processing system quality management. Thanks to this technology, Betagro could reduce waste in the production process due to food pathogen from 2.0% in 2020 to 0.6% in 2021 based on its production data.

Shelf Life Extension Technology

Pathogen is a factor which spoils food in 5-12 days. Betagro’s RDC conducted researches and utilized a new technology successfully to reduce food waste due to pathogen. Sealed modified atmosphere packing is used to preserve the freshness and the quality of food as well as to extend the shelf life of export products, particularly fresh chicken and meat from 12 days to at least 14 days. This shelf life extension technology has enabled Betagro’s to expand its export markets to new destinations with high demands. Japan and Singapore in particular require a shelf life of 14 days when compared with a standard of 10 days in other export markets.