CPF eyes aggressive Philippine expansion

Leading Thai conglomerate Charoen Pokphand Foods (CPF) Public Co. Limited has outlined plans to significantly expand its operations in the Philippines, citing strong growth momentum and long-term confidence in the country’s food and agriculture sector.

The expansion plans were shared during a strategic visit to Bangkok, Thailand, by Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina A. Roque, who met with existing Philippine investors seeking to scale up operations and potential Thai investors exploring entry into the Philippine market.

Executives of Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Co. Limited told the DTI delegation that the company management “wants to build business in the Philippines more and more,” reflecting its positive outlook on the local investment climate.

CPF Philippines Chairman Sakol Cheewakoset said the company has recorded average annual growth of 35 percent since it began operations in the Philippines 10 years ago, a performance that is now driving more ambitious expansion targets.

“We want the Philippines to overtake Vietnam in a few years,” Cheewakoset said, underscoring the strategic importance of the Philippine market within CPF’s regional portfolio.

Cheewakoset emphasized that sustained expansion would require strong government support, particularly as the company continues to invest in physical infrastructure nationwide.

CPF already operates facilities in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, and expects to hire more Filipinos as additional sites become operational, contributing to employment generation in both rural and industrializing areas.

Under the broader CP Group, current Philippine operations focus on agro-farming activities, including raising pigs and chickens and producing eggs, as well as aquaculture ventures in shrimp production and animal feeds.

These operations primarily serve domestic demand, which remains strong, while also positioning the company to tap export markets as capacity expands.

Highlighting a key challenge, Cheewakoset appealed for assistance in accelerating project development. “Please get support for us. Our business depends on construction,” he said, referring to the farm and production facilities required for expansion.

Roque assured CPF of full government support, committing to connect the company with relevant agencies under a “whole-of-government” approach mandated by the President to streamline investment facilitation.

“We now work together as one to drive investment and job creation,” Roque said, reaffirming the DTI’s role in supporting large-scale investors.

She also encouraged CPF to locate future projects in pro-business and industrializing areas, noting that the group’s continued growth aligns with national development priorities.

Roque stressed the broader economic importance of CPF’s operations, particularly in ensuring food supply stability. “The food security business is important because of our growing population,” she said.

The DTI said investments such as that of CPF’s are critical to strengthening the Philippines’ agro-industrial base, improving food security, and generating sustained employment as demand for agricultural and food products continues to rise.