ABOITIZ Food Group is actively exploring significant expansion opportunities across Southeast Asia, with a particular focus on East Malaysia, Vietnam and Indonesia, a top official of the company said.
Tristan Aboitiz, president and chief executive of the Aboitiz Food Group, said the food and agribusiness conglomerate is laying out plans to bolster its presence and production capabilities in these key markets.
He said they are currently undertaking a feasibility study for a 2025 expansion into East Malaysia. This venture is envisioned as an integrated “feed-to-farm” business model, which encompasses the entire value chain from animal feed production to livestock farming. Aboitiz said they intend to pursue this expansion through a strategic joint-venture partnership within Malaysia.
Domestically, Aboitiz said the company is investing in upgrading its existing infrastructure. Several finisher farms in Tarlac are undergoing refurbishment to support the Aboitiz Food Group’s swine repopulation initiatives in the Philippines.
Beyond Malaysia, Aboitiz said they are also studying expansion possibilities at their Long Han facility in Vietnam. The existing plant is reportedly nearing its full production capacity, prompting the evaluation of further investment to meet growing demand in the Vietnamese market.
Furthermore, Aboitiz said they are assessing additional expansion opportunities within the Philippines and Indonesia. The company cited stronger-than-anticipated growth in feed volumes in both markets over the past year as a key driver for considering increased investment.
The company is also constructing dedicated research and development farms in Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines within the current year. These facilities will likely focus on advancements and innovations within the company’s feed business segment.
Aboitiz said these strategic expansion initiatives across multiple Southeast Asian markets underscore the company’s commitment to growth and its ambition to further solidify its position as a leading player in the regional food and agribusiness sector.
He said the integrated approach in Malaysia and the focus on capacity expansion in Vietnam and Indonesia signal a proactive strategy to capitalize on favorable market dynamics and increasing demand for their products. / KOC