Marubeni ups stake in Vietnam’s AIG Asia Ingredients, eyes Southeast Asia expansion

Japan’s Marubeni Corporation has acquired additional shares at AIG Asia Ingredients Corporation, a leading manufacturer of food ingredients and packaged food products in Vietnam.

In a Monday statement, the Japanese giant said the move followed its initial acquisition announced in November 2023.

It said the latest move, made by its wholly-owned Singapore-based subsidiary Marubeni Growth Capital Asia Pte. Ltd. (MGCA), would further strengthen the strategic partnership between the companies.

Since its initial investment, Marubeni has been a strategic business partner, working with AIG on long-term plans, expanding its natural food ingredients portfolio and launching new business development initiatives.

Marubeni emphasized that there was a strong alignment between AIG and the strategic direction of its next generation corporate development division, which was established in 2022.

In Southeast Asia, one of the key areas of focus for MGCA has been the food & beverage sector. Considering AIG a gateway investment, Marubeni was committed to supporting the Vietnamese firm’s growth strategy and tap the growing food market in Southeast Asia.

AIG plays a crucial role in the Vietnam food market, which is the fastest growing market in Southeast Asia with annual growth of approximately 8%. The company provides food and functional ingredient solutions, which are becoming increasingly important to branded packaged food and beverage product customers.

The company’s business and product portfolio has continued to expand as the company’s operational capability extends beyond distribution to manufacturing and innovation.