Cargill Invests $130 Million to Expand Poultry Operations Across Asia Amid Rising Global Protein Demand
Cargill is investing more than USD 130 million over the next two years to expand and modernize its poultry operations across Asia, responding to continued growth in global protein demand and rising consumer interest in high-quality cooked poultry products.
The investment will focus on strengthening Cargill’s poultry network in Thailand and the Philippines, with projects designed to increase production capacity, improve operational efficiency, enhance food safety and quality, and support product innovation. The company expects the investments to strengthen its supply chain and improve its ability to serve foodservice and retail customers in international and domestic markets.
The expansion represents a significant commitment to infrastructure, technology and workforce development across Cargill’s Asian poultry operations. By upgrading production facilities and introducing advanced technologies, the company aims to create a more efficient and resilient poultry supply network capable of responding to changing market requirements.
Advanced Technology to Expand Cooked Poultry Production in Thailand
Thailand will be a major focus of Cargill’s investment program. The country serves as an important poultry export hub for the company, supplying cooked poultry products to customers in Japan, Europe, Asia and North America.
As part of the expansion, Cargill plans to increase production capacity at its poultry processing operations in Thailand. A key element of the program is the installation of a new automated cooked chicken production line at the company’s poultry processing plant in Saraburi. The new production line is expected to be completed in 2028.
The automated line is intended to improve production capabilities while supporting greater consistency, efficiency and scalability. Cargill will also introduce significant technological upgrades across its operations during the next two years, including advanced machinery and equipment designed to optimize production processes and manage costs.
Artificial Intelligence will also play a role in the modernization program. Cargill plans to integrate AI into data processing, helping its teams analyze operational information more quickly and accurately. The company expects the technology to support faster decision-making and improve the ability of its operations to respond to changing production requirements.
Beyond production efficiency, the technology investments are expected to strengthen Cargill’s food quality and safety management systems. Advanced equipment, automated processes and improved data capabilities can provide additional tools for monitoring production and maintaining the standards required by customers and international markets.
Higher Export Volumes and Economic Contributions
Cargill expects its expanded Thai operations to increase total cooked poultry production to approximately 160,000 metric tons. The company anticipates that the expanded operations will generate around THB 25 billion in annual export value for Thailand.
The investment is also expected to contribute to local employment. More than 300 jobs are expected to be created for communities in Thailand as the company expands its poultry processing and related operations.
The planned expansion builds on Thailand’s established role within Cargill’s poultry supply network. By increasing local production capacity and improving manufacturing efficiency, the company expects to strengthen its ability to supply international customers while supporting economic activity across the poultry value chain.
New Grain Storage Facility in Thailand
Cargill’s investment in Thailand extends beyond poultry processing. The company is also constructing a 30,000-metric-ton grain silo to strengthen its raw material storage capabilities.
The new facility is intended to provide Cargill with greater flexibility in sourcing and storing grain throughout the year. Improved storage capacity can help the company manage raw material availability and procurement requirements beyond traditional harvest periods.
The project may also create additional opportunities for local farmers by supporting demand for agricultural commodities outside the conventional harvest season. This could contribute to a more flexible agricultural supply chain while helping farmers access additional income opportunities.
Following its groundbreaking earlier this year, the new grain storage facility is expected to be completed by early 2027.
Expanding Poultry Infrastructure in the Philippines
The Philippines is another major focus of Cargill’s Asian poultry expansion strategy. The company is investing in new production infrastructure and expanding its poultry network to improve supply, efficiency and reliability.
One of the major projects is the construction of a new feed mill with an annual production capacity of 190,000 metric tons. The facility is expected to be completed by late 2027.
The new feed mill will support Cargill’s poultry operations in the Philippines by increasing feed production capacity and strengthening the availability and reliability of a critical input for poultry farming. The facility is also expected to improve operational efficiency across the company’s local supply chain.
The project will create more than 100 jobs, providing additional employment opportunities while contributing to the development of the local poultry industry.
Cargill is also expanding its network of hatcheries, breeder farms and broiler farms in the Philippines. These investments are designed to strengthen poultry supply and improve cost efficiencies throughout the production chain.
The expanded network will support Cargill’s ability to serve domestic foodservice customers and Filipino consumers. It will also contribute to the company’s retail poultry business under its Tip-Top brand.
Supporting Growing Protein Demand
Cargill’s investment comes as demand for protein continues to grow across global markets. Poultry has become an important protein category for consumers and foodservice operators seeking products that combine quality, consistency and convenience.
For food manufacturers, retailers and foodservice companies, dependable supply is increasingly important. Cargill’s investment program is therefore focused not only on expanding production but also on improving the resilience and reliability of its poultry supply chain.
The combination of new processing capacity, automation, AI-enabled data processing, expanded feed production and additional agricultural infrastructure is intended to give Cargill greater flexibility as market requirements evolve.
According to Watcharapon Prasopkiatpoka, Vice President and Managing Director, Poultry APAC at Cargill, demand for high-quality protein is continuing to increase across international markets, while customers are seeking partners that can support their growth through reliable products and innovation.
The executive said the investment will strengthen Cargill’s ability to provide poultry products with the quality and consistency required by customers. He also emphasized the company’s focus on infrastructure, technology and people as part of its long-term approach to meeting protein demand.
Long-Term Investment in the Asian Poultry Supply Chain
Cargill’s more than USD 130 million investment represents a broad expansion of its poultry operations in Thailand and the Philippines. The projects cover processing, automation, artificial intelligence, grain storage, feed production, hatcheries and poultry farms, creating a more integrated supply network across the region.
In Thailand, the focus is on increasing cooked poultry production, modernizing processing technology and strengthening raw material storage. In the Philippines, Cargill is expanding feed production and developing its broader poultry farming infrastructure.
Together, these initiatives are expected to improve production efficiency, strengthen supply chain resilience and support food safety and quality. They will also create employment and contribute to economic activity in the communities where Cargill operates.
As global demand for poultry and other protein products continues to develop, investments in production capacity and supply chain infrastructure are becoming increasingly important. Through its expanded operations in Thailand and the Philippines, Cargill is positioning its Asian poultry network to support customers in international and domestic markets while creating additional opportunities for farmers, suppliers, workers and local communities.
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