June 7, 2007

Thailand's CPF may enter Middle East market, pending inspections
 

Thai agri-giant CPF looks set to gain another significant market as inspectors from the United Arab Emirates toured its facilities in Thailand to judge the company's adherence to Halal food standards.

Approval would mean access to UAE and by extension the largely Muslim market in the Middle East.

The Senior Vice President of the Charoen Pokphand Foods company Mr. Supachai Angsupakorn said the visit is aimed at increasing the UAE's confidence in Thailand's ability to export poultry to Muslim nations in accordance with Halal food standards.

UAE officials are also concerned over possible bird flu contamination of Thai poultry.

CPF has set a poultry export target of 100,000 tonnes to Japan, the European Union, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates. Due to bird flu, Thailand does not export fresh or frozen poultry, and only processed poultry.