LOCOL Thailand (Chief Strategy Officer/CSO Hathaitanit Tongthong) announced its participation in “COMEUP Stars 2024,” part of the global startup festival COMEUP 2024.
COMEUP Stars 2024 will feature 50 innovative startups in a competitive IR pitching session called “Startup Valley.” Participants include 30 companies in the Rookie League, 10 in the Runners League, and 10 selected from the Rocket League, which is based on recommendations from the COMEUP House and the advisory committee. The finalists represent 13 countries, including South Korea, the United States, the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, India, and Türkiye, showcasing COMEUP’s global scale.
LOCOL Thailand is revolutionizing the beef industry by integrating sustainability and innovation into cattle farming. The company’s signature product, Cocoa-Lick blocks, utilizes cocoa waste from cocoa industries to create a feed supplement that reduces methane emissions from cattle by 62.5% when used as just 2% of their normal feed. By turning agricultural waste into valuable resources, LOCOL aims to address climate change while supporting local farming communities.
Each kilogram of beef produced using Cocoa-Lick blocks reduces methane equivalent to the carbon sequestration of a large tree over five months. LOCOL plans to scale its operations to include 100,000 cattle by 2030, reducing over 140,000 tons of CO2 equivalent emissions annually. Currently, the company is piloting its solution in Thailand with over 60 cows, collaborating with partners such as Max Beef Cattle Cooperative, Freshket, and Isai Cacao to refine its products and processes.
At COMEUP 2024, LOCOL will present the Cocoa-Lick block and its potential to revolutionize sustainable livestock farming. The product’s benefits include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, boosting cattle productivity, and enabling farmers to market their beef as a premium, low-carbon product. Made from agricultural and industrial waste, the blocks are cost-effective and scalable, with plans to adapt production to use local materials in international markets.
LOCOL is targeting South Korea as a key entry point for its expansion. The country’s focus on premium food quality and sustainability aligns perfectly with LOCOL’s vision. South Korea’s environmentally conscious consumers and dynamic HoReCa sector (hotels, restaurants, and cafes) provide an ideal market for introducing Cocoa-Lick blocks and low-carbon beef. LOCOL plans to collaborate with ESG-focused companies and local distributors to establish its presence and expand its innovative solution in the region.
In addition to their environmental impact, LOCOL’s Cocoa-Lick blocks offer economic benefits for farmers. Farmers can position their products as premium offerings by reducing methane emissions and improving cattle productivity, tapping into the growing global demand for sustainable food solutions. LOCOL aims to connect with South Korean stakeholders, including business partners and investors, to create a robust ecosystem for sustainable agriculture in the country.
LOCOL has outlined an ambitious plan for global expansion. While scaling its operations in Thailand, the company aims to export Cocoa-Lick blocks to ASEAN countries, such as South Korea, China, the Middle East, and North Africa. This phased approach will enable LOCOL to address regulatory challenges, build efficient supply chains, and adapt its products using regionally sourced materials to local markets.
COMEUP 2024 provides LOCOL an invaluable opportunity to showcase its innovation, engage with industry experts, and gather feedback to refine its strategies. The exhibition marks an important step in LOCOL’s journey to scale its impact and contribute to methane reduction and global sustainability goals.
COMEUP 2024 will occur on December 11–12 at Coex in Seoul, featuring innovative startups and investors from over 40 countries. This year’s theme, “Innovation Beyond Borders,” highlights startups’ roles in driving global innovation across boundaries of nations and technology. The event will feature conferences, pitching sessions, and exhibitions focusing on deep tech, inbound innovation, and SIS (Sustainable Innovation by Startup).
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