Nestlé is investing more than CHF 157 million to expand its petfood manufacturing capabilities in Thailand, with the investment focused on its Purina manufacturing site in Rayong.
The investment will strengthen Purina’s manufacturing capabilities in Thailand. It will increase the production of petfood and treats for local and international markets while helping meet growing demand for pet nutrition.
The additional capacity will support Purina brands including Felix, Friskies, Pro Plan and Purina One. Nestlé said the investment reflects growing demand for high-quality pet nutrition across Asia, Oceania and Africa (AOA) and other global markets.
“Petfood is one of Nestlé’s most dynamic segments globally, accounting for around 21 percent of Group sales. This investment reflects our confidence in its long-term potential across Asia, Oceania and Africa (AOA) as well as the rest of the world,” said Remy Ejel, CEO of Nestlé Zone AOA. Ejel also added that Thailand is an important part of Purina’s global manufacturing network, and this expansion will enhance its ability to serve more pet owners with superior nutrition.
Nestlé attributed rising demand in AOA to increasing pet ownership and a shift from home-prepared meals to packaged pet nutrition. The company also highlighted growing interest in products focused on pet health and wellbeing.
According to Hubert Wieser, CEO of Nestlé Purina Petcare, the AOA region has more than 350 million domestic cats and dogs, and the pet population continues to grow. He said pets are increasingly seen as members of the family, and this is driving demand for functional and specialised products supporting pets’ longevity, vitality and quality of life.
The expanded production is expected to use a high proportion of locally sourced poultry, fish and vegetables, supporting suppliers and value creation in Thailand.
The CHF 157 million investment follows Nestlé’s CHF 520 million investment in a new petfood plant in Italy and US$550 million for a new Purina factory in the US. The investment also strengthens Nestlé’s manufacturing footprint in Thailand, where the company plans to build a new high-tech Nescafé production and distribution hub.
