Betagro opens pet food plant

Betagro Group, one of Thailand’s biggest integrated food and agricultural companies, has opened a new factory as part of its pet food production expansion efforts.

The new plant under Pet Focus Co is located on a 46 rai plot in Lop Buri province. The 1.2 billion-baht facility boasts the group’s first integrated pet food production line, said Betagro president Vasit Taepaisitphongse.

The plant is set to offer production capacity of 11,200 tonnes a month.

Capacity for the first phase starts at 4,000 tonnes per month and comprises dry pet food items and snacks for dogs and cats under several brands including Dog’n Joy, Cat’n Joy, Perfecta and Bingo Star.

They are intended for domestic distribution channels such as pet shops, veterinary clinics, modern trade outlets and pet farms.

Mr Vasit said Betagro sees more opportunities to expand its production capacity of premium-quality pet foods to meet rising demand in the segment.

The market value for cat and dog food in Thailand is currently estimated at 25 billion baht, boasting average annual growth rates 10-15%.

Thailand produces about 40,000 tonnes of pet food per year, of which 14,800 is for the domestic market.

Betagro is among the top five makers and distributors of pet food in the country, with sales growing 20% last year. The new plant is intended to help drive sales this year to rise by about 60%, he said.

Pet food is a non-core business of Betagro, which focuses on animal feed, livestock, and chicken meat for both the domestic market and export.

Last year, the group shipped about 70,000 tonnes of chicken meat, with export volume expected to expand by 10% this year.