Food major Kido leaders reveal real estate ambitions

Leaders of Kido Group, a leading Vietnamese food and cooking oil producer, said they see many positive policies that are helping to ease real estate market difficulties and create favorable conditions for the company to develop projects on its land reserves.

Kido Group JSC (HoSE: KDC), a major producer and distributor of various consumer goods, including food, beverages, and processed products, held its 2025 AGM on Wednesday in Ho Chi Minh City.

At the AGM, the board of directors submitted a proposal asking for shareholder authorization to proactively pursue cooperation opportunities with other entities to exploit the group’s land funds and those owned by its subsidiaries and affiliates.

Unlocking land value for growth

Addressing the shareholders, Tran Le Nguyen, general director of Kido, shared that the group has accumulated many land funds over the years. In line with the government’s policy aimed at preventing waste of land, Kido has submitted applications to authorities to execute real estate projects.

“If these projects are executed, Kido’s market capitalization could rise substantially and the interests of shareholders would increase,” Nguyen stated.

Adding further detail, Nguyen Cong Hao, deputy general director, presented several large-scale projects that would require external partnerships for execution, including Whale Bay, KDC Central Tower, and KDC Residence.

Hao noted that the real estate market has recently shown positive momentum, with many projects resolving legal challenges. As investment activity resumes, these trends are creating added value and attracting foreign capital, giving Kido a favorable environment to activate projects tied to its existing land holdings.

Experience in real estate

This is not Kido’s first foray into the real estate sector. Previously, the group acquired Hung Vuong Plaza, a commercial center in District 5, Ho Chi Minh City. Company leaders reported that the property now has an occupancy rate of over 95% and generates annual profit of VND120-150 billion ($5.75 million).

Kido is also preparing to acquire another commercial center in the near future.

Through a subsidiary, Kido had also planned to take part in the Lavenue 8-12 Le Duan project in District 1, HCMC. However, that project is currently under legal review and awaits approval from state authorities.

Outlook on consumer business and investment strategy

Speaking at the event, Tran Kim Thanh, chairman of Kido, reflected on the challenges facing consumer spending post-pandemic. He noted that purchasing power remains weak, and that the company has introduced multiple solutions to address rising oil prices and exchange rate volatility.

Thanh observed that while the confectionery and food segments have shown encouraging signs of recovery, the investment sector continues to face constraints. However, with the Politburo’s recent Resolution 68 on private sector development, many of these business bottlenecks have begun to ease.

“With strong land assets in hand, the group will carefully consider strategic investments going forward,” Thanh added.

2025 financial targets

For 2025, Kido targets net revenue VND13,000 billion ($498.4 million) and pre-tax profit of VND800 billion ($30.67 million), 56% and 7.6 times higher than 2024's actual figures.

According to company leadership, this performance target reflects not only growth in core businesses but also contributions from strategic investments and mergers and acquisitions (M&A).

On the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchage, Kido Group's KDC shares closed Thursday at VND54,200 ($2.08) apiece.