Bangkok--22 May--Betagro Group
Betagro Group has made a strategic move into the growing fresh chicken market with an investment of over 600 million baht in its Phatthalung Chicken Processing Plant, the first and only advanced chicken processing plant in southern Thailand. The new facility is fully compliant with all Halal requirements and export standards, and optimised for the Group’s business expansion in the fresh chicken market in the country’s southern provinces and neighbouring countries. Fully equipped with advanced technology and equipment, the plant’s capacity and performance is expected to meet rising consumer demand for the most hygienic and safest possible food products.
Phatthalung Governor Seri Srihatrai presided over the opening ceremony on 15 May 2014 in Tambon Ta-kae, Amphoe Muang, Phatthalung Province that saw group executives joined by distinguished guests Governor of Phatthalung Seri Srihatri and high-ranking officials representing central government agencies, regional and provincial authorities.
Vasit Taepaisitphongse, President of Betagro Group said “The Phatthalung Chicken Processing Plant is currently run by Betagro Southern Company Limited, which operates integrated agricultural and food business in Thailand’s southern provinces. The Group’s business in the southern provinces has enjoyed steady growth and rapid expansion. In 2012, overall sales revenue grew significantly to more than 6.6 billion baht, making it most likely to reach sales projection of 8.2 billion baht for 2014. To achieve the goal, the Group concentrates on developing new markets, enlarging the customer base, adding new branches and expanding distribution channels to serve more consumers and gain more opportunities, making its high-quality, hygienic and safe food products as accessible as possible.”
“Betagro has realised the potential for growth in southern provinces, which is driven by rising demand for fresh chicken parts. We have therefore invested more than 600 million baht in the new chicken processing plant which has a capacity to handle up to 60,000 birds per day, or 4,000 tons per month. Future capacity is expected to reach 120,000 birds per day.”
He also said, “Our primary target market covers the southern provinces. In addition, our export markets are Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei. As Thailand prepares for the AEC in 2015, we believe our new chicken processing plant is fully capable of supplying fresh chicken parts that meet market requirements and with superior quality and safety thanthat of competitors. Additionally, we plan to invest in many upstream and downstream food production projects in southern provinces, including an integrated chicken egg farm, a day-old chick farm, a swine breeder farm, pork processing plant, Betagro Food Complex and the expansion of the existing Betagro Shop retail network.”
The Phatthalung Chicken Processing Plant is the Group’s third chicken processing plant. Together, it has an overall chicken processing capacity of more than 500,000 birds per day or 31,700 tons per month. Supported by Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI), construction of the new facility started in August 2014 and became fully operational in January 2013. It is in full compliance with production and quality management standards, has well-trained staff specialising in livestock business and chicken processing under the food safety policy exclusively specified by Betagro Group. Chicken meat from the new plant is guaranteed for freshness, hygiene, quality and safety. Apart from individual consumers, the Phatthalung Chicken Processing Plant supplies fresh chicken products to food service businesses, especially those serving hotels, hospitals, schools and restaurants in addition to industrial customers and modern trade. It is also important to note that opening a new production plant helps create new jobs and more income for local people.
The Phatthalung Chicken Processing Plant has been awarded Halal certification and EST No. (qualified for export), and it is now working on GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice), HACCP (Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Point), Q-Mark, TIS/OHSAS 18001 and ISO 14001 certifications.
For more information, please contact :
Corporate Communications Division
Theeranuch Wannasai Tel. 0 2833 8315 E-mail
[email protected]
Wipapana Amornsak Tel. 0 2833 8316 E-mail
[email protected]
Kanitta Lunpa Tel. 0 2833 8317 E-mail
[email protected]