Feasibility Study in Fruit Processing Community Enterprises at Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province

Abstract

The feasibility study of the fruit processing community enterprise in Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, aimed to develop a business plan for the fruit processing community enterprise in Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, and to examine the feasibility of the business through a financial business assessment. The research methodology was both qualitative and quantitative as mixed-method study, conducted by interviewing community enterprise operators with a business operation of at least three years, selected from 63, and selecting one in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. The feasibility of the business was assessed through quantitative financial performance analysis. The research results revealed that the fruit processing community enterprise was established to solve problems and create economic opportunities for the community. It aims to encourage the community to utilize local resources and process fresh fruits, which are low in harvest season, to add value to the products. This can create a community economy through food preservation and satisfy consumer demand by processing fruits for maximum benefit. The emphasis is on using quality resources and taking into account the reduction of environmental impacts, reducing the loss of rotten fruits in the community when fruit prices are low. The financial results showed that the investment was able to be back within 1 week, the return on investment was 168.61 percent, the return on sales was 26.54 percent, the present value of net profit was equal to 4,557.70 satang, the profit index was equal to 1.02, and the net return was equal to 68.59 percent. Payback period within 1 year or 7 months and 4 days, resulting in the possibility of a fruit processing business being able to invest sustainably. Strengths help community enterprises to be strong by using community resources to create added value. Weaknesses include lack of management skills and making profits in marketing. Educational institutions have brought knowledge to disseminate to community enterprises to gain expertise in business operations and promote more online marketing.