Ajinomoto to Increase Production of Flavor Seasonings in Thailand

29 Aug 2016 --- Ajinomoto Co. Ltd., a consolidated supsidiary of Ajinomoto Co. Inc., will meet the growing demand for flavor seasonings in Thailand by investing THB 800 million (US$23.1 million) to increase production capacity for flavor seasoning Ros Dee at its Nong Khae Factory in Saraburi Province, Kingdom of Thailand. 

Ajinomoto Co. is working to further expand its flavor seasonings business to accelerate business expansion in Thailand, the largest base of the Ajinomoto Group’s overseas consumer foods business.

The flavor seasonings market in Thailand has grown by approximately 1.3 times over the past five years to approximately 70,000 tons (Ajinomoto Co. estimate for fiscal 2015) and is expected to grow further in the future as a result of increases in the volume used per household due to more frequent home use and in opportunities for use in the restaurant market, mainly at food stalls, backed by the growth of the middle-income segment.

Ros Dee was launched in 1979 and is currently sold in four varieties. It is used in stir-fry, soup and other dishes as an all-purpose seasoning that gives a meat flavor. Sales volume has grown by an average of more than 5% annually since fiscal 2011 and the product maintains the top share in Thailand as a result of cultivating the restaurant market in addition to proactive marketing activities and promoting applications in a wide range of home-cooked dishes.

To prepare for the expected growth in demand, Ajinomoto Thailand will expand production facilities at its Nong Khae Factory and improve production efficiency by automating the packaging process to increase production capacity for Ros Dee by approximately 40%. The company will also ensure that its products are safe and trustworthy by upgrading its equipment to prevent contamination and enhancing traceability for more thoroughgoing quality control.

In its FY2014-2016 Medium-Term Management Plan, the Ajinomoto Group positions Thailand, which is the largest base of the overseas consumer foods business, as one of its “Five Stars” (core countries in ASEAN and Latin America), its major growth drivers. The Ajinomoto Group aims for rapid growth in the consumer foods business in Thailand, with a target of doubling sales by fiscal 2020, compared with fiscal 2012. The Ajinomoto Group will strive for further growth of its international food products business by providing more delicious, higher-quality products to contribute to well-being in each country.