Founded in 2003 in a move to consolidate 58 alcoholic and related businesses in the country, Thai Beverage (ThaiBev) has taken bold steps in its effort to become Southeast Asia’s largest food and beverage companies.
Beer Chang, launched in 1995 and its best-known brand, was among those companies that joined the merger. In line with plans to become the market leader in Thailand, the company consolidated all its beers under the Chang Classic brand earlier this year. By 2020, it plans to increase Chang's share of the local beer market from 30 per cent to 45-50 per cent.
In 2006, the group listed its shares on the Singapore Stock Exchange. In 2013, ThaiBev took a major step to increase its market share in Asia when it acquired a 28.6% stake in Fraser & Neave (F&N), the leading soft-drink markets in Singapore and Malaysia.
“We want to become a key regional player in Asia. When you’re talking about the Asian continent, you’re talking about serious opportunities as this is half of the global market,” said CEO Thapana Sirivadhanabhakdi.
“I see an opportunity for the local players in Asia to connect and collaborate with the key active players. ASEAN’S activities over the next decade will enhance overall connectivity of the region. In the next era, there will be more of a regional focus and a better collaboration between the players and the investors. And Thailand plays a crucial role in that,” he added.
With the acquisition of various non-alcoholic and food companies and the launch of its Japanese restaurants and frozen food business, ThaiBev is on track to meet its five objectives laid out in its six-year growth plan dubbed Vision 2020 – growth, diversity, brands, reach, and professionalism.
Aside from its facilities in Thailand, the company also owns distilleries in China, Scotland, Ireland and France.
