Nestlé will invest over 157 million Swiss francs to expand its pet food production capacity in Thailand, strengthening one of the group's most dynamic segments and responding to growing demand for quality pet food.
The project will involve Purina's Rayong plant, where production of foods and snacks marketed under the Felix, Friskies, Pro Plan, and Purina One brands will be increased, intended for both the Thai market and exports.
The transaction confirms Thailand's strategic role within Purina's global production network and will allow the group to serve a greater number of pet owners in Asia, Oceania and Africa.
Pet food currently represents approximately 21% of Nestlé's total sales and continues to show favorable growth prospects, supported above all by the increase in the number of pets and the greater attention paid to their nutrition.
“This investment reflects our confidence in the long-term potential of the segment in Asia, Oceania and Africa, as well as globally,” said Remy Ejel, Nestlé CEO for the AOA Region.
In the countries of the area, the sector's growth is accompanied by a progressive shift from home-cooked meals to packaged, complete and balanced foods, with an increasingly marked preference for premium offerings.
Consumers are also looking for products that support the health and well-being of animals, which have become an integral part of the family and receive the same care and attention as people.
According to Nestlé, more than 350 million domestic dogs and cats live in Asia, Oceania and Africa, a population that is expected to expand further in the coming years.
"The trend toward health and wellness is extending to pets," explained Hubert Wieser, CEO of Nestlé Purina Petcare, emphasizing the growing demand for functional and specialized foods.
These products are designed to contribute to the longevity, vitality, and quality of life of animals, an area in which major international operators are focusing investment and innovation.
The expansion of the Rayong plant is also expected to include extensive use of locally sourced raw materials, including poultry, seafood and vegetables.
This approach will support Thai suppliers and increase the value generated in the country, while strengthening the local production chain.
The investment is part of Nestlé's broader plan to strengthen its global pet food production capacity.
The group has in fact allocated 520 million Swiss francs for a new plant and a logistics platform in Italy, as well as 550 million dollars for a new Purina factory in the United States.
The Rayong project further expands Nestlé's industrial presence in Thailand, where the company also plans to build a new high-tech hub dedicated to the production and distribution of Nescafé.
