Kenmin Foods (Thailand) Co., Ltd. is a specialized manufacturer and exporter of rice-based noodles and allied products, located in Sri Racha, Chonburi, Thailand. It operates as a regional manufacturing subsidiary of Kenmin Foods Co., Ltd., a leading Japanese company established in 1950 and headquartered in Kobe, Japan. The Thai division was established to serve global demand with a focus on ASEAN, Asian, and European markets through optimized production and logistics.
Company Background and Vision
Founded to leverage Thailand's rich agricultural resources and strategic export logistics, Kenmin Foods (Thailand) brings authentic Japanese quality with Southeast Asian production capabilities. The Thai facility enables the brand to deliver high-volume, high-quality, and cost-effective rice-based products.
Kenmin’s business philosophy centers on:
- Gluten-free, healthy carbohydrate alternatives
- Authentic Asian taste profiles
- Food safety and clean-label production
Product Categories
Kenmin Thailand’s core product categories include:
-
Rice Noodles:
- Yaki Be-fun (Stir-fry Rice Noodles)
- Pho Noodles
- Rice Vermicelli
- Rice Pasta (fettuccine-style)
-
Rice Paper:
- Spring Roll Wrappers
- Rice Sheets (Various thicknesses and sizes)
-
Glass Noodles:
- Bean Thread Noodles
- Vermicelli Noodles made from mung bean starch
All products are manufactured with minimal additives, adhering to vegan, gluten-free, and allergen-free certifications.
Brands
Kenmin’s product lines are distributed under internationally recognized brand names:
- Kenmin – The master brand with a history of more than 70 years
- Yaki Be-fun – A sub-brand for its signature stir-fry rice noodles
These brands are sold through both foodservice and retail channels, and are especially popular in health-conscious and gluten-free consumer segments.
Manufacturing Capabilities
Kenmin Thailand operates a HACCP-certified and ISO-compliant facility with:
- Annual Production Capacity: Over 4,000 tons of rice and glass noodles
- Automated extrusion and drying systems
- Custom packaging lines for OEM/private label production
- On-site R&D center to localize and innovate for regional flavor preferences
All production processes strictly follow Japanese manufacturing protocols and are supervised by technical teams from Kenmin Japan.
Export and Shipment Data
Kenmin Foods (Thailand) is a major contributor to Thailand’s noodle export sector. Based on trade and customs data from platforms like ImportYeti and Volza:
- Annual Export Volume (2023): 1,200–1,500 shipments
- Key Export Markets: Japan, USA, Germany, Vietnam, Taiwan, South Korea
- Top-Selling SKUs: Yaki Be-fun 200g, Rice Paper 22cm, Glass Noodles 100g
The company exports both under its own brand and for major private labels globally.
Financial Overview
Though Kenmin Thailand operates privately, derived estimates based on export performance and market size indicate:
- Estimated Annual Revenue: USD 12–18 million
- Revenue Growth Rate (2020–2023): ~11% CAGR
- Export Share: Over 85% of total output
Revenue has been boosted by growing international demand for gluten-free and Asian diet staples.
Certifications and Quality Assurance
Kenmin Thailand ensures compliance with stringent global standards. Their certifications include:
- HACCP
- GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice)
- ISO 22000
- Halal Certified (for Muslim markets)
- FDA Approval (for exports to the United States)
They undergo regular audits by Japanese HQ and third-party certification bodies.
Target Markets and Customer Segments
Kenmin’s export products cater to:
- Retail Chains: Japanese supermarkets, Asian grocery stores
- Foodservice: Restaurants, Hotels, Catering chains
- OEM Clients: Supermarkets and brands in the US, EU, and Japan
The company is focused on serving health-oriented consumers, gluten-free diet followers, and Asian cuisine enthusiasts.
Achievements and Milestones
- 2010: Establishment of Kenmin Thailand as a regional production hub
- 2015: Began supplying to Japan Airlines for in-flight catering
- 2018: Launched high-fiber rice vermicelli series
- 2022: Achieved ISO 22000:2018 certification for entire facility
- 2023: Exported products to over 20 countries globally with zero reported safety violations
Kenmin Foods (Thailand) Co., Ltd. continues to uphold the high standards of its Japanese parent company while serving global demand through localized manufacturing, efficient export logistics, and a steadfast commitment to clean-label food innovation.