Briefs
Shrimp output seen falling 10% in 2013
Thailand’s shrimp production is forecast to drop by 10 per cent next year. Total production is forecast at 540,000 tonnes, the reduction resulting from widespread disease. Exports are expected to be unchanged at 350,000 tonnes.
Somsak Praneetatyasai, president of the Thai Shrimp Association, said yesterday that oversupply was not a concern as global demand had declined during the economic downturns in the US and the European Union, which are major importers of Thai shrimp. Global production is forecast to drop by 13 per cent to 2.04 billion tonnes.
Honda keeps No 1 passenger-car spot
Honda Automobile (Thailand) Co has announced passenger-car sales for November of 23,036 units, achieving the No 1 position in that segment for the second consecutive month.
Accumulated sales from January through November reached 150,745 units, the highest in the company’s history.
Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz set a new order record of 1,580 units for all models at the recent 29th Thailand International Motor Expo.
PTT inks LNG deal with Qatar firm
PTT has signed an LNG sales and purchase agreement with Qatar Liquefied Gas Company (3) (Qatargas) spanning 20 years at an annual volume of 2 million tonnes, with deliveries to start in 2015.
This first long-term liquefied-natural-gas contract for Thailand will supplement long-term national energy security, particularly as production from the Gulf of Thailand and imports from neighbouring countries are inadequate, officials said.
Bangsue Chia Meng to boost output
Bangsue Chia Meng Rice Mill Co, maker of Hong Thong Ready Rice, has invested more than Bt100 million to launch BSCM Foods Co to expand production of three brands: Goodish ready-to-eat brown rice, Frezfill rice milk and Enere energy drink.
Output will start next month for distribution to local and international markets. In the first stage, the company will focus on Bangkok before expanding to the provinces.
Overseas, the company focuses on health-conscious consumers in the US and Europe. Revenue from exports is targeted at Bt160 million. – The Nation
