Blue Elephant Group, the internationally acclaimed Thai culinary enterprise founded by Master Chef Nooror Somany Steppe and Chairman Karl Steppe, has achieved one of the highest distinctions in Thai business by receiving both the Best Thai Brand Award and the Best Exporter Award at the Prime Minister’s Export Awards (PM’s Export Award) 2026 recently.
Selected by the Department of International Trade Promotion under the Ministry of Commerce, the annual Prime Minister’s Export Awards recognise Thai companies that demonstrate exceptional excellence in export performance, innovation, brand development, sustainability and international competitiveness. Winning both awards in the same year underscores Blue Elephant’s remarkable contribution to elevating Thailand’s reputation through its world-class restaurants, culinary education and premium food products enjoyed in more than 40 countries.
The dual honours celebrate over four decades of Blue Elephant’s unwavering commitment to preserving Thailand’s rich culinary heritage while successfully transforming heritage Thai cuisine into one of the world’s most respected premium food brands.
Master Chef Nooror Somany Steppe, Founding Chef, Blue Elephant Group
“I am deeply proud to receive both the “Best Thai Brand” and “Best Exporter” accolades: “The “Best Thai Brand” award reflects the quality and authenticity of Blue Elephant’s Thai curry products, which I have passionately developed and perfected over the past 46 years, ensuring that they deliver the same distinctive flavours and standards found in Blue Elephant restaurants”.
As for the “Best Exporter” award, it is a testament to the international recognition and success of Blue Elephant products, which are now enjoyed in over 40 countries around the world.”
When the first Blue Elephant restaurant was opened in Brussels in 1980, my dream was simply to introduce the true flavours, traditions and beauty of Thai cuisine to the world.
More than 46 years later, that vision has grown into a global journey built on heritage, excellence and passion. Every dish served, every product created and every cooking class conducted carries the soul of Thailand.”
Mr. Kim Steppe, Chief Executive Officer, Blue Elephant Group
“It is with immense pride and emotion that we receive the Prime Minister’s Awards in two categories. Our parents – Master Chef Nooror and Karl Steppe – have always taught us that Thailand has given our family so much, and that with this comes a responsibility to give back to the country.
This belief has guided Blue Elephant from the very beginning. From Thai ingredients and grocery products to celadon, tableware and decoration, we are committed to sourcing from Thailand and supporting Thai farmers, artisans and communities.
For our family, Blue Elephant is more than a business. It is our way of celebrating Thailand, preserving its heritage, and sharing the very best of our country with the world.
This recognition belongs to everyone who has shared this journey with us.”
Mr. Karl Steppe, Chairman, Blue Elephant Group
“Receiving both the Best Exporter and Best Thai Brand Awards is a defining milestone in Blue Elephant’s history. These awards affirm that authentic Thai heritage, uncompromising quality and long-term vision can create a globally respected brand.”
For over four decades, Blue Elephant has not simply exported food products – we have exported Thai culture, craftsmanship and hospitality. This recognition inspires us to continue investing in innovation, sustainability and international growth while remaining true to our founding mission of showcasing the very best of Thailand.”
Blue Spice Co., Ltd.: The Manufacturing Excellence Behind a Global Thai Brand
A key driver behind Blue Elephant Group’s international success is Blue Spice Co., Ltd., the Group’s state-of-the-art manufacturing arm, whose commitment to quality, innovation and authenticity played a pivotal role in securing both Prime Minister’s Export Awards.
Established in 2006, Blue Spice translates Master Chef Nooror’s celebrated recipes into premium retail products that enable consumers worldwide to recreate authentic Thai cuisine in their own homes. From its modern production centre in Pathum Thani, the company manufactures an extensive portfolio of Thai curry pastes, cooking sauces, spice blends, seasonings, ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat gourmet products that are exported to more than 40 countries across Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East.
Combining generations of Thai culinary wisdom with advanced food manufacturing technology, rigorous international quality standards and continuous product innovation, Blue Spice has become one of Thailand’s leading exporters of premium Thai food products. Its success is built on three enduring pillars – heritage, innovation and sustainability – working closely with Thai farmers, championing Geographical Indication (GI) ingredients and investing in research, product development and expanded production capacity to meet growing global demand.
Ms. Ines Chardonnet, Managing Director, Blue Spice Co., Ltd.
“These prestigious awards recognise the dedication of every member of the Blue Spice team. Behind every product is an unwavering commitment to quality, food safety, innovation and authenticity. We are immensely proud that products crafted in Thailand are enjoyed by consumers in more than 40 countries, helping bring genuine Thai cuisine to kitchens around the world.”
Mr. Kevin Somany, Vice Managing Director, Blue Spice Co., Ltd.
“Blue Spice represents the successful fusion of heritage and innovation. While our recipes remain deeply rooted in Thailand’s culinary traditions, our manufacturing continues to evolve through advanced technology, international standards and continuous product development. As global demand for heritage Thai cuisine grows, we remain committed to delivering the very best of Thailand to the world.”
A Global Ambassador for Thailand
From its beginnings as a single restaurant in Brussels in 1980, Blue Elephant has evolved into one of Thailand’s most recognised culinary ambassadors, encompassing award-winning restaurants, renowned cooking schools and an internationally respected manufacturing business supplying premium Thai products to global retail and hospitality markets.
Guided by its philosophy that “Thai Food is Medicine,” the Group continues to champion authentic Thai ingredients, wellness, sustainability and culinary innovation while supporting local communities and preserving Thailand’s rich gastronomic heritage.
The Prime Minister’s Export Awards 2026 recognise not only Blue Elephant’s commercial success, but also its enduring role in advancing Thailand’s soft power through cuisine. By combining heritage, innovation and manufacturing excellence, Blue Elephant and Blue Spice have demonstrated how premium Thai brands can compete successfully on the world stage while proudly carrying the Thai flag to international markets.
As the Group continues its global expansion, these prestigious honours reinforce its mission to inspire the world through the richness of Thai cuisine, strengthen Thailand’s export economy and ensure that future generations continue to experience the country’s extraordinary culinary heritage.
Blue Elephant Group – At a Glance
- Founded in Brussels, Belgium in 1980
- Manufacturing arm Blue Spice Co., Ltd. established in 2006
- Premium Thai food products exported to more than 40 countries
- Internationally acclaimed restaurants and cooking schools
- Recipient of the Prime Minister’s Export Awards 2026 – Best Thai Brand & Best Exporter
- Guided by the philosophy “Thai Food is Medicine”
- Global ambassador of Thai culinary heritage, innovation and sustainability
Founded in Brussels in 1980 by Master Chef Nooror Somany Steppe and Karl Steppe, Blue Elephant Group has grown into one of Thailand’s most internationally respected culinary brands. Its portfolio encompasses award-winning restaurants, cooking schools and a premium range of heritage Thai food products exported to more than 40 countries. With a philosophy rooted in heritage, sustainability, innovation and Thai culinary excellence, Blue Elephant continues to preserve Thailand’s rich gastronomic heritage while sharing it with the world.
