Building on its leadership in chicken processing, Thailand’s agrifood giant Charoen Pokphand Foods (CPF) is advancing its protein business through a strategic joint venture with NH Foods, a leading Japanese food conglomerate.
Together, they have established CPF NH Foods, marking a pivotal step in CPF’s evolution from poultry dominance to premium processed pork.
This partnership strengthens Asia’s role in the global protein value chain and reflects CPF’s ambition to diversify and innovate within the region’s food industry.
A new chapter in premium pork production
With an initial investment of around USD 49 million, CPF will hold a 51% stake in the new company, while NH Foods will hold 49%.
The venture will focus on developing, producing, and marketing high-quality processed pork products for consumers in Thailand and key export markets such as Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and other Asian countries.
Production will take place at CPF’s advanced food processing facility in Chachoengsao province, Thailand.
Leadership perspective on innovation and growth
CPF CEO Prasit Boondoungprasert emphasized the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.
“Our success in chicken processing has taught us that building high-quality protein products is not just about great taste, but about innovation, safety, and sustainability,” he said.
“Partnering with NH Foods allows us to apply that expertise to pork, raising the standard for Asia’s premium meat industry and enhancing Thailand’s global competitiveness.”
Nobuhisa Ikawa, President and CEO of NH Foods, echoed the sentiment. “At NH Foods, we are committed to creating new value through innovation and collaboration,” he said.
“CPF’s deep expertise in processed meats will enable both parties to combine their strengths and accelerate the growth of processed pork across Asian markets,” he added.
From poultry roots to ‘Kitchen of the World’
The formation of CPF NH Foods builds on a strategic partnership signed in 2024, which saw CPF successfully introduce NH Foods’ premium beef products to Thai consumers. That success laid the groundwork for deeper collaboration and mutual investment in Asia’s fast-changing food landscape.
CPF will contribute world-class raw materials and a robust distribution network, while NH Foods brings advanced processing technologies and global product innovation. Together, they aim to deliver premium pork products that meet rising consumer demand across the region.
The first batch of products from the joint venture is expected to launch in Q2 2026. This milestone marks CPF’s transformation from a global chicken powerhouse into a comprehensive protein leader driving Asia’s ‘Kitchen of the World’ vision.