Khaopong Farm

Khaopong Farm is a high-quality barramundi (giant sea bass) breeding and aquaculture farm located in Ban Pho District, Chachoengsao Province. The farm was founded with a clear mission to produce and deliver premium-quality fish that are fresh, clean, and safe for consumers, while promoting sustainable aquaculture practices that prioritize both fish welfare and environmental balance.

The Founding Vision

Khaopong Farm was established by Mr. Prayote Sorajjakit, a former scientist who had worked in a state enterprise for more than 14 years. Driven by determination and the dream of building his own business, he decided to leave his stable career and embark on a new journey into aquaculture.

He began by working as a distributor of shrimp and fish feed to gain in-depth knowledge of aquaculture systems. Later, he started his own shrimp farming operation first with black tiger prawns and later with white shrimp. Over time, he founded Khaopong Farm as a premium shrimp nursery, which has successfully operated for more than 15 years.

From Shrimp Nursery to Premium Barramundi Farm

The turning point came when Thai Union Feedmill Co., Ltd. launched a new line of formulated feed specifically for barramundi, marking an important innovation in Thailands aquaculture industry. Recognizing this as an opportunity, Mr. Prayote decided to expand from shrimp farming into high-quality barramundi cultivation the beginning of what is now known as Khaopong Farm.

Commitment to Quality Management

Khaopong Farm operates under strict Quality Management principles at every stage of production from broodstock selection and feeding, to water quality control, processing, and distribution. Every step is carefully monitored to ensure that each barramundi meets the highest standards of freshness, taste, and safety.

Mr. Prayotes vision is to elevate Thailands giant barramundi to meet international standards, so Thai consumers can enjoy clean, safe, and premium-quality fish that rival imported seafood.

The farms vision is clear:

To make the Giant Barramundi a symbol of Chachoengsao and a key aquatic economic species of Thailand, recognized worldwide for its production standards.

The Ideal Natural Environment of Chachoengsao

Chachoengsao Province also known as The Land of Three Waters is a unique region where saltwater, freshwater, and brackish water converge, forming a naturally rich and balanced ecosystem.

This exceptional environment makes Chachoengsao, particularly the Ban Pho District, one of the best areas in Thailand for aquaculture. The regions climate and water quality are ideal for raising large, healthy, and flavorful barramundi.

The Barramundi Farming Process

At Khaopong Farm, the barramundi cultivation process begins when the fish weigh around 10 grams each and continues until they reach 5 kilograms or more, a process that takes approximately 18 months. Every stage is carefully controlled to maintain the highest quality and consistency.

The average barramundi weight at the farm ranges from 46 kilograms, with some fish growing as large as 8 kilograms significantly larger than typical market-size barramundi, which usually weigh only 400500 grams. The meat of these fully grown fish is firm, white, sweet, and rich in beneficial omega-3 fatty acids.

The Japanese Ike-Jime Technique

One of Khaopong Farms key distinctions is the use of the Japanese fish bleeding technique known as Ike-Jime. This precise method removes blood immediately after the fish is caught, reducing stress and preventing the buildup of lactic acid resulting in meat that is fresher, odorless, and has a bright, translucent color with an excellent texture.

The Ike-Jime process consists of three essential steps:

• Brain Spiking A sharp spike is used to destroy the fishs central nervous system instantly, reducing stress and preserving meat quality.
• Bleeding The main blood vessels near the gills are cut to allow rapid blood drainage, preventing fishy odors and flavor deterioration.
• Ice Chilling The fish is immediately submerged in ice-cold water to slow down decomposition, keeping the meat firm and fresh for longer periods.

In addition to Ike-Jime, Khaopong Farm also practices a fish aging process to enhance the natural flavor and texture of the meat. The farms barramundi products are of sashimi-grade quality, suitable for raw consumption and comparable to imported fish in both taste and texture.

Internationally Certified Standards

Khaopong Farm places great emphasis on product safety and quality. Its processing facilities are certified under multiple international standards, including:

• GHPs (Good Hygiene Practices): Ensuring hygiene throughout the production process.
• HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points): Identifying and controlling potential hazards in food production.
• GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice): Maintaining consistent production quality.
• Halal Certification: Approved by The Central Islamic Committee of Thailand.
• FDA Certification (Thai FDA): Guaranteeing food safety and product quality.

Supporting Community and Sustainability

Beyond being a premium fish producer, Khaopong Farm also plays an important role in supporting the local community and economy. The farm creates local employment, provides skill development opportunities, and operates with a strong sense of social and environmental responsibility, building trust among both domestic and international consumers.

Product Range

Today, Khaopong Farm offers a wide variety of premium aquaculture products, including:

• Giant Barramundi Whole fish and fillets, weighing between 35 kilograms.
• Pla Kod Kang (Hemibagrus wyckioides) A freshwater catfish known for its thick, flavorful meat.
• White Shrimp High-quality farmed shrimp.
• Giant Freshwater Prawns Nutrient-rich and sustainably raised.
  
  You can find Khaopong Farms premium seafood products at all Rimping Supermarket branches.