Mars Petcare Opens APAC’s First Pet Food R&D Center in Thailand

Mars Petcare has announced the opening of the Asia Pacific region's first pet food research and development center in Thailand. The APAC Pet Center, located in the AMATA City Chonburi industrial estate, is the company's first automated pet food R&D center in the region, covering a total area of 3,630sqm. The facility has been designed according to the standards of an international pet food research institute, with the objective of supporting product development by providing testing services for Mars products from the Asia Pacific region.

Mars Petcare, a subsidiary of Mars, Inc., a multinational American company, is one of the world's largest pet food manufacturers. With operations in over 55 countries and a vast range of pet food products under various brands like Pedigree, Whiskas, and Royal Canin, the company has established itself as a global leader in the pet food industry. The latest development in this field is the establishment of the APAC Pet Center, which aims to support the growth of the pet food industry in Thailand and strengthen Mars Petcare's presence in the Asia Pacific region.

The establishment of the APAC Pet Center is considered a game-changer for the pet food industry in Thailand, which is the world's third-largest pet food exporter. In the first nine months of 2022 alone, the country's pet food exports have been valued at US$2.1 billion, up by 34.4% YoY. The United States, Japan, and Italy are the top markets for Thai pet food exports. The APAC Pet Center is expected to enhance Thailand's reputation as a hub for pet food research and development, leading to increased veterinary competencies and the growth of the veterinary profession in the country.

Dr. Jaruk Srikiatden, Director of Research and Development Asia, Mars Petcare (Thailand) Co., Ltd., said that the APAC Pet Center is a reflection of the company's commitment to promoting and developing the pet food industry in Thailand and the Asia Pacific region. He added that the center would support product innovation and development, allowing the company to bring new and improved pet food products to the market more efficiently. The center will also act as a hub for exchange and sharing of knowledge about pet food among industry professionals, students, veterinarians, and researchers.

The grand opening of the APAC Pet Center was attended by prominent figures like Somchuan Ratanamungklanon (D.V.M.), Director-General of the Department of Livestock Development, Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Thawatchai Srithong, Governor of Chonburi, and Dr. M.L. Narudee Kashemsant, President of the Veterinary Practitioners Association of Thailand (VPAT). Mr. Somchuan Ratanamungklanon praised the establishment of the center, stating that it showcased the potential of the pet food business in Thailand as one of the world's top exporters of animal feed products.

Apart from its commitment to the pet food industry, the APAC Pet Center is also committed to animal welfare principles. The facility has been awarded LEED Gold certification and has applied circular economy principles, with benches and outdoor floor bricks made from recycled pet food packaging.

The establishment of Mars Petcare's APAC Pet Center in Thailand is a significant milestone for the pet food industry, not just in the country but in the entire Asia Pacific region. It positions Mars Petcare as a leader in the pet food industry, investing in the future of pet care and nutrition. The center is expected to bring numerous benefits to the industry, including improved pet food products, increased veterinary competencies, and a positive impact on the environment. Mars Petcare's commitment to the well-being of pets and the industry as a whole is evident in the establishment of this state-of-the-art research and development center.