S Singapore Brand Wiki

About 137 Degrees

Overview

137 Degrees (Thai: 137 ดีกรี) is a premium plant-based beverage brand originating from Thailand, best known for its almond milk and other nut-based alternatives. The brand is owned and manufactured by Simple Foods Co., Ltd., an alternative-dairy producer based in Pathum Thani. Founded in 2015 as a home-kitchen initiative, it has grown into one of Thailand’s leading brands in the alternative milk sector, with products exported to more than 30 countries.1

Feature Detail
Brand Name 137 Degrees
Owner/Manufacturer Simple Foods Co., Ltd.
Founded 2015
Founder Arisa Aramwatananont
Headquarters Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani, Thailand
Core Products Almond, walnut, pistachio, and macadamia milks
Key Differentiator Use of whole nuts rather than paste or concentrate
Market Position Leading share in Thailand’s almond-milk market2

History and Origins

The brand did not begin as a large-scale food enterprise. Its origin traces back to founder Arisa Aramwatananont, who sought a dairy-free alternative to cow’s milk. Experimenting in her home kitchen, she focused on almonds due to their flavor profile, richness, and nutritional value. Initially producing almond milk for personal consumption and sharing it with friends and family, demand gradually increased.1

The product evolved through several stages:

  • Home kitchen production
  • Distribution among friends and family
  • Sales in health-food shops
  • Expansion into supermarkets
  • Industrial-scale manufacturing
  • International export

Early versions of the product were fresh or pasteurized, resulting in a short shelf life. To address this, the company invested significant time in developing a preservation method that avoided artificial additives or preservatives. This process involved nearly two years of research before successfully adapting the product to Ultra-High Temperature (UHT) packaging, transforming “homemade” almond milk into a mass-market Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) product.2

Brand Identity and Naming

The name 137 Degrees incorporates two distinct elements related to the brand’s history and technology:

  • 137: Refers to the house number where founder Arisa Aramwatananont originally developed the initial almond milk recipe.
  • Degrees: Represents the 137°C processing temperature used during the UHT sterilization process, which ensures the product remains shelf-stable without preservatives.

This dual meaning connects the brand’s artisanal origins with its modern manufacturing capabilities.1

Product Philosophy

A central pillar of 137 Degrees’ strategy is the use of whole nuts. Unlike many conventional nut beverages that utilize nut pastes, powders, or concentrates, 137 Degrees emphasizes processing entire nuts to retain flavor and nutritional integrity. For instance, the Original Almond Milk is formulated using whole California almonds, sunflower seeds, and organic coconut flower nectar.3

The brand positions itself not merely as a vegan substitute but as a provider of premium nutrition in a convenient format. Key attributes include:4

  • Whole-Nut Processing: No reliance on nut paste or concentrate.
  • Dairy-Free: Suitable for those avoiding lactose or cow’s milk.
  • Low Sugar: Many formulations avoid added cane sugar, using organic coconut flower nectar instead.
  • Short-Time UHT: Aims to preserve nutrients while ensuring stability.
  • Taste Focus: Promotes the idea that healthy food should also be palatable.5

Product Portfolio

While almond milk remains the flagship category, the portfolio has expanded to include various nut and plant-based beverages. Products are primarily available in UHT cartons, including 180 ml and 1-liter formats.6

Almond Milk Varieties

  • Original
  • Unsweetened
  • Coffee Latte
  • With Malt
  • With DHA
  • A to Zinc
  • With Carrot & Mixed Vegetables
  • With Avocado & Mixed Vegetables
  • Apricot Kernel Almond Milk
  • High Protein (Original, Chocolate, Strawberry)

Other Nut Milks

  • Walnut Milk: Available in Original and Matcha Green Tea variants.17
  • Pistachio Milk: Available in Original and Double Chocolate variants.
  • Macadamia Milk: Introduced to expand the range of tree-nut options.12
  • Corn Milk: Part of the broader plant-based offering.

Market Position and Growth

When 137 Degrees launched in 2015, almond milk was still a niche category in Thailand. The company played a role in educating consumers about the benefits of nut-based alternatives, moving beyond simple competition to create demand within the sector.2

By 2023, data cited by the company and industry reports indicated that 137 Degrees held approximately 42% of Thailand’s almond-milk market by value. This position places it ahead of both local competitors and major international food companies operating in the region.29

The brand’s success is attributed to first-mover advantages, strong distribution networks, and a clear differentiation strategy centered on whole-ingredient quality.10

Rebranding and Marketing Evolution

In 2024, after nine years in the market, 137 Degrees underwent a significant brand refresh. Key changes included:6

  • New Logo: Introduction of a gold-colored logo to convey a more premium image.
  • Brand Presenter: Appointment of Thai celebrity Araya A. Hargate (Chompoo Araya) as the brand’s first official presenter.14

This shift marked a transition from relying primarily on word-of-mouth and product quality to engaging in broader mainstream marketing efforts aimed at a wider audience.15

International Presence and Standards

137 Degrees exports its products to over 30 countries, reflecting the global reach of Simple Foods Co., Ltd. To support international sales, the manufacturer adheres to rigorous food safety and quality standards, including:7

  • GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice)
  • HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point)
  • HALAL certification
  • ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 22000
  • FSSC 22000
  • USFDA registration
  • BRC (British Retail Consortium) Global Standard

These certifications facilitate entry into diverse markets, including Japan and Europe, where strict regulatory compliance is required.13

Corporate Structure

The brand 137 Degrees is operated by Simple Foods Co., Ltd., a Thai manufacturer specializing in nut milks, plant-based dairy alternatives, non-dairy ice cream, and OEM services. Simple Foods manages multiple brands, including Wholly Nuts, allowing for diversified product development beyond the core 137 Degrees line.8

Awards and Recognition

The brand and its parent company have received various industry accolades highlighting innovation and quality:16

  • Hong Kong LOHAS Award (Product Innovation)
  • International Innovation Awards (Product Innovation)
  • Product Innovation Award by the Foundation of Thai Society
  • Thailand’s Most Admired Brand
  • Prime Minister’s Export Award (Best Halal)
  • FMCG Asia Awards recognition for UHT Milk

Strategic Outlook

137 Degrees has evolved from a single-product solution for lactose intolerance into a broader lifestyle brand focusing on premium plant-based nutrition. The company continues to innovate with functional ingredients such as DHA, vitamins, and high-protein formulations, aiming to appeal to health-conscious consumers, families, and general milk drinkers seeking tasty, convenient alternatives.11

References

  1. Our Story — 137 Degrees
  2. ส่องตลาดนมอัลมอนด์ 700 ล้านบาท กับ 137 ดีกรี เบอร์ 1 ตลาดนี้ แถมเป็นแบรนด์ไทยที่แซงต่างชาติได้
  3. อริสา กุลปิยะวาจา เปลี่ยน Passion เป็น Mission ปั้น 137 Degrees สู่ Global Brand
  4. 137 Degrees — www.simplefoods.net
  5. Our Products — 137 Degrees
  6. 137 Degrees plant-based milk gets a new gold brand logo – Mini Me Insights
  7. 137 Degrees Almond Milk Products | International Innovation Awards®
  8. Company profile 137 degrees_A4
  9. 137 ดีกรี® จับมือน้องเนย เปิดจักรวาลความสุขและสุขภาพดีกับแฟนมีตครั้งใหญ่ “Meet & Milk: จิบนมฮีลใจกับน้องเนย”…
  10. บ้านเมือง – 137 Degrees® จับมือ Butterbear เสริมพลังแบรนด์ไอคอนิค ส่ง Meet & Milk เติมความสุขคู่สุขภาพดี ตอกย้ำ…
  11. 137 Degrees pinpoints 3 key growth drivers in Thailand’s health beverage market – Mini Me Insights
  12. タイ産「マカダミアミルク」発売~「137degrees」シリーズ
  13. 〖乳製品アレルギーでもOK〗砂糖・保存料不使用の本格派ナッツミルク「137degrees」シリーズの新商品「マカダミアミルク」を3月25日より発売開始!:マピオンニュース
  14. 137 ดีกรี® ประกาศรีแบรนด์ใหม่ และพรีเซนเตอร์คนแรกของแบรนด์ – The Perspective
  15. ตลาดเริ่มแข่งเดือด ‘137 Degrees’ ขอรีแบรนด์ในรอบ 9 ปี พร้อมดึง ‘แม่ชม’ พรีเซ็นเตอร์คนแรก หวังรักษา ‘แชมป์’ นมทางเลือก
  16. 137 DEGREES แบรนด์ ‘ผู้นำ’ นมทางเลือก : Product Innovation Awards 2020 : รางวัลสินค้าไลฟ์สไตล์ ประเภทผลิตภัณฑ์นมทางเลือก
  17. Description Walnut Milk Original — www.simplefoods.net
This profile was compiled with AI assistance and reviewed before publishing. How we use AI

Related brands