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In the latest episode of Trends, David Barrett explores Blue Spice’s success, led by Ines Chardonnet. Her vision propels Thai cuisine to international heights, blending tradition with innovation.
In the latest episode of Trends, our intrepid host, David Barrett, embarked on a culinary adventure to the renowned Blue Elephant Restaurant and Cooking School on Sathorn Road in downtown Bangkok. There, he had the pleasure of meeting the dynamic Ines Chardonnet, Managing Director of Blue Spice. Ines is the powerhouse responsible for the food production and export arm of the award-winning Blue Elephant.
Ines, a vibrant force and still in her youth, seamlessly blends beauty, brains and boundless energy into the competitive world of food production and distribution, solidifying her reputation as one of Thailand’s most distinguished food exporters.
As the helm of Blue Spice, Ines oversees factories producing fine foods valued at an impressive 250 million baht (US$8 million). Reflecting on her journey, she reminisces, “I joined Blue Elephant in Brussels 12 years ago, and eight years ago, I assumed the role of heading the food operations here in Bangkok.”
Initially catering to local restaurants, the growing demand for Thai ingredients quickly propelled Blue Spice onto the global stage, supplying European markets, including prominent distributors and supermarket chains worldwide.
Amid the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, Blue Spice seized new opportunities, capitalizing on the surge in home cooking as restaurants faced lockdowns. Ines notes, “Although the trend of cooking at home is here to say, consumption modes are evolving, and more customers seek for convenience. We should constantly adapt.”
Armed with an MBA and a background in hospitality management, Ines discovered her true calling within the food division. With adept skills in establishing business relations, she swiftly expanded the reputation of Blue Elephant, a name already synonymous with top-tier Thai cuisine in Europe.
In praising the Kingdom’s culinary magic, Ines emphasizes the importance of using authentic Thai ingredients, noting that some roots crucial to Thai cuisine are simply unavailable in Europe. Blue Spice, with a workforce of 150 dedicated staff, proudly produces its extensive range of 100 products entirely in Thailand, showcasing a commitment to manufacturing excellence.
Ines shares, “From jasmine rice to noodles and curry pastes, our offerings cater to diverse palates.” The product line continues to evolve as Blue Elephant infuses local herbs and regional gastronomical ideas into their creations, solidifying their position as a culinary innovator.
Amid accolades and a devoted customer base, Blue Spice’s two best-selling core products remain Chef Nooror’s signature curry pastes, the foundation upon which the business was built. Serving both B2B and B2C markets, with a focus on restaurant caterers, Ines asserts:
“Success requires unwavering commitment, consistent product quality, and a reputation for reliability.”
Originating from the charming region of Pau, France, renowned for its breathtaking scenery and mouthwatering Franco-Spanish culinary creations, Ines delves into the local flavours that establish Pau as a gastronomic paradise. While acknowledging that some of these culinary treasures may not align with universal political correctness, Ines emphasizes their undeniable deliciousness.
In addition to praising Pau for its culinary delights, Ines proudly highlights her hometown’s distinction for hosting the highest concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants. This recognition underlines her exceptional heritage, positioning her from the ideal locale to spearhead a food production and distribution empire.
As she envisions the year 2024, Ines expresses her desire for the global celebration of culinary diversity. Notably, she observes a positive trend in many Thai restaurants showcasing regional cuisines, such as Isaan (Northeast) Thai and Southern Thai, offering customers a more profound exploration of the nuanced aspects of Thai cooking. Ines firmly believes that good food has the power to bring people together, fostering love and unity over a shared meal. This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the ethos of gastronomic excellence embodied by Blue Elephant and Blue Spice, establishments that Ines proudly represents with great pride and charisma.
David Barrett is a MICE Consultant, Marketing Strategist and digital video advocate. Founder of DBC Group, Member of Institute of Place Management (MIMP) his motto is “Everybody has a story to tell. Let me tell yours.”
David is a long-term resident of Bangkok having lived and worked in the Thai capital for more than 32 years. He is recognised in the Thai tourism and hospitality industry for his passion for promoting Thailand, his love of Thai food, and his creative approach to marketing.
64 years young, David is a Brit in Bangkok. Born in St Helier, UK, he returned to the UK and set up home in Cornwall during the COVID pandemic. With business back as usual, David has returned to Thailand. He’s a man on a mission to interview leaders and trend-setters in business, sustainability, the arts and entertainment. You can watch his weekly conversations on Trends YouTube channel.
