Kasem Jandam1
1Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI.)
Edible bird’s nests obtained from swiftlets have long been used as a tonic in traditional Chinese medicine. They are believed to help nourish the body, cure disease, and bring longevity. The bird’s nest trade between China and Southeast Asia, the source of most of the world’s bird’s nests, dates back at least to the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368). Today it is a globalized industry worth billions of dollars. A production belt system processes bird’s nests – both naturally occurring and in swiftlet houses – to supply the health and beauty industry. China is the world’s largest importer of bird’s nests, more than 90 percent or which are imported illegally. The international bird’s nest business is dominated ethnic Chinese businesspeople in other countries through relatives and friends and local bird’s nest business associations. In 2011 the Chinese government issued regulations governing bird nest products and the quality of imported bird nests. Companies that import bird’s nests to China must now have their certification registered by the China Certification Control Board. There is an online direct selling bird’s nest business and a flourishing e-commerce system through websites and WeChat. Market competition is fierce. This paper looks at the modernization of the ancient bird’s nest trade.
Biography