BANGKOK, June 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- A researcher from Chulalongkorn University has developed an innovative "cocoa-based mineral supplement" that transforms low-grade cocoa and discarded cocoa husks into value-added livestock feed, helping farmers reduce costs, improve cattle health, and lower greenhouse gas emissions under a circular economy model.
The project was led by Asst. Prof. Dr. Tansiphorn Na Nan, Acting Assistant Dean for Research and Academic Services at the Faculty of Integrated Agriculture and Director of the Innovation Center for Research and Development of Sustainable Cocoa Thailand (ISTC) in Nan province. The innovation emerged in response to worsening climate conditions that have caused cocoa crop losses of up to 80–90%, leaving farmers with large quantities of unsellable cocoa waste. At the same time, livestock farmers have faced rising feed costs during prolonged drought.
The research team created two forms of supplement: a compressed "lick block" for small farms and a powdered supplement for larger feed-mixing systems. Both products can incorporate cocoa waste as up to 30% of the ingredient formulation, creating a practical way to reduce agricultural waste while generating additional income for cocoa farmers.
According to the research, compounds naturally found in cocoa—including flavonoids, polyphenols, theobromine, and tannins—provide significant health benefits for livestock. Theobromine was found to improve cattle well-being, reduce inflammation, and enhance feed-to-meat conversion efficiency. In dairy cattle, testing showed that the supplement reduced somatic cell counts associated with mastitis by more than 70% and increased milk fat content by up to 15%.
Results in beef cattle were equally striking. Farmers who previously sold ordinary beef cattle for 20,000–30,000 baht per animal reported improved meat quality after using the supplement, with some cattle reaching premium A3 and A4 grades valued at more than 100,000 baht. Researchers also found that tannins in cocoa help suppress methane-producing bacteria in the rumen, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 44% while redirecting energy toward muscle and fat production, improving marbling and meat quality.
Beyond cattle farming, the research is being expanded into poultry, goats, and shrimp farming, reinforcing the project's guiding principle that "every cocoa bean must have a purpose" and demonstrating how circular economy innovation can create sustainable value across multiple agricultural sectors.
For more information, contact the Faculty of Integrated Agriculture, Chulalongkorn University at Tel. +662 218 1243, or visit www.cusar.chula.ac.th.
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Chula Researchers Transform Cocoa Waste into Premium Livestock Feed
SINGAPORE, June 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- arrivia and KrisFlyer, the lifestyle rewards programme of the Singapore Airlines Group, are elevating member benefits with the launch of cruise bookings using KrisFlyer miles. This enhanced partnership offers KrisFlyer members expanded opportunities to utilise miles through KrisFlyer Cruise, arrivia's exclusive cruise platform. This enhanced partnership enables members to unlock high-value cruise holidays through KrisFlyer Cruise, arrivia's dedicated cruise platform, giving members more meaningful ways to use their miles. Now, members can redeem KrisFlyer miles on an extensive selection of cruise itineraries offered by over 40 world-leading cruise lines.
With this latest enhancement, members can redeem KrisFlyer miles for a cruise or combine miles and cash to unlock greater flexibility and access higher-value travel experiences, across over 30,000 itineraries operated by renowned cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean International, Disney Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and more. These sailings span destinations worldwide, including key growth regions such as Southeast Asia and Australia, reflecting rising demand for cruise travel.
KrisFlyer members can continue to earn 2 KrisFlyer miles for every USD 1 spent on cruise fares, creating an ecosystem where members can both earn and redeem within the same category, driving deeper engagement with the programme. John Williams, Chief Operating Officer (COO), arrivia International, said, "This partnership is about giving KrisFlyer members more meaningful ways to use their miles. Cruises represent one of the fastest-growing and highest-value travel categories, and by offering cruising as a redemption option to KrisFlyer members, we are enabling members to access more rewarding experiences while helping drive stronger engagement within the programme. With thousands of sailings globally and dedicated cruise specialists, we are making cruise more accessible than ever."
Easy Steps to Book a Cruise
- Visit https://krisflyercruise.com
- Log in with KrisFlyer membership details
- Browse and select from thousands of itineraries
- Book online or connect with cruise experts for personalized assistance
The launch comes at a pivotal time, as cruising continues its strong growth trajectory globally and across Asia Pacific. In 2025, the cruise industry reached a record 37.2 million passengers worldwide, marking a 7.5% year-on-year increase, with continued momentum expected in the years ahead. As demand for cruise travel rises and repeat intent remains strong, KrisFlyer members can now enjoy a more seamless travel journey that extends beyond air travel into end-to-end holiday experiences at sea.
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KrisFlyer is the lifestyle rewards programme of the Singapore Airlines Group, with over 11.8 million members worldwide. Members enjoy extensive earn and redemption opportunities across flights, shopping, dining and travel experiences through Singapore Airlines, Scoot, KrisShop, Kris+, Pelago and more than 1,700 global partner brands.
ABOUT ARRIVIA:
arrivia is a global leader in travel loyalty and rewards solutions, helping brands expand redemption ecosystems and drive deeper member engagement through high-value travel experiences and technology-enabled loyalty solutions.
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Arrivia and KrisFlyer Expand Partnership to Launch Cruise Redemptions with Miles
