Nestlé invests in Thai pet food plant
Nestlé has announced plans to invest more than CHF 157 million (€166.9 million) to expand its pet food production capabilities in Thailand. The move is designed to meet rising local and international demand for products under its Purina brands, which include Felix, Friskies, Pro Plan, and Purina One.
The capital will primarily flow to the company’s manufacturing site in Rayong. Operations there will rely on increased use of locally sourced raw materials, such as poultry, fish, and vegetables. Management emphasized that this strategy is intended to support local suppliers and contribute to the regional economy.
Remy Ejel, CEO of Nestlé Zone Asia, Oceania and Africa (AOA), stated that pet food remains one of the group’s most dynamic segments globally. It currently accounts for around 21% of Group sales. “Thailand is an important part of Purina’s global manufacturing network, and this expansion will enhance our ability to serve more pet owners with superior nutrition,” Ejel said.
The broader AOA region holds over 350 million domestic cats and dogs. Hubert Wieser, CEO of Nestlé Purina Petcare for Asia, Oceania and Africa, noted that this population continues to grow. He observed that the health and wellbeing trend is extending to pets, as they are increasingly viewed as family members. This shift drives demand for functional products that help enhance longevity and vitality.
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Asia, Oceania, and Africa represent a distinct market dynamic where urbanization often correlates with a shift toward premium pet care. As household structures change in these regions, the financial investment in animal nutrition tends to rise proportionately with disposable income. This specific demographic trend likely explains why manufacturers are prioritizing high-quality functional formulas over standard bulk products in the region.
This Thai expansion is not an isolated move. It is part of a wider global investment strategy that includes a CHF 520 million (€552.9 million) project in Italy for a new production and logistics facility. Nestlé also recently committed $550 million (€473 million) to a new Purina facility in the United States.
Following the completion of the Rayong expansion, the company plans to further support its operations in Thailand. A new production and distribution facility for Nescafé is also in the pipeline. These concurrent projects highlight the company’s continued commitment to diversifying its manufacturing footprint across the AOA zone.
