NH Foods Ltd. reached a partnership agreement with Thailand’s Charoen Pokphand Foods PCL, marking the Japanese meat processor’s latest attempt to expand its presence across Asian markets.
The deal focuses on processed foods collaboration in Thailand, Japan, Singapore and Hong Kong, according to a company statement. The partnership includes joint procurement of raw materials and product development in Thailand, while leveraging CPF’s regional distribution network.
The companies plan to distribute NH Foods’ Japanese products through CPF’s channels in Southeast Asia, while CPF’s Thai-made items will enter the Japanese market. They will also explore opportunities in China’s beef sector.
For NH Foods, Thailand’s largest food company brings valuable regional networks and expertise. CPF operates an integrated business spanning feed production, animal breeding, farming and food processing with a market value of 8.41 billion baht ($240 million).
The alliance reflects growing competition in Asia’s processed foods market as companies seek scale and efficiency. However, success will depend on effective integration of different corporate cultures and market approaches.
Through its Thai subsidiary, NH Foods already manufactures processed foods in Thailand. This new partnership may help optimize those operations while potentially reducing costs through shared resources.
