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Published on July 14, 2007

TC Union Global is forging abroad after the domestic market for health and beauty food supplements went flat this year.

Its three-year plan starting last year calls for penetrating the neighbouring countries of Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam before advancing to the global market in 2009.

Trading Import-Export was appointed as its exclusive distributor in Laos last year and Dynamic Pharma as its sole representative in Cambodia yesterday, said managing director Piti Kittithirapornchai.

In the early stages, it will concentrate on its Wakie hangover remedy, then gradually export other food supplements such as Blink for beauty and Omex for health.

Wakie will be sold through pharmacies, traditional shops, clinics, hospitals and restaurants. Prices will be the same as here.

The company will apply its tried-and-true marketing strategy in foreign markets, including advertising through media channels and arranging grassroots activities such as Wakie caravans to provide free alcohol checks for people.

The campaign will kick off in November, Piti said.

TC Union Global is eyeing Vietnam for next year and is already negotiating with prospective distributors there.

Entering three countries in three years will help sales grow 20-30 per cent. It will add Indonesia and Philippines through the same methods in 2009, followed by Europe and the United States.

The company only selects local companies in food supplements or medicine ranked among the top 10 in certain countries to be its sole distributors.

Piti said this would facilitate TC Union Global in marketing its products and expanding its distribution channels.

However, the company will continue to launch products here to keep a balance between its domestic and export sales and reduce risk.

Piti said the move was expected to help the company achieve its sales target of 10-per-cent growth to Bt250 million this year.

Nitida Asawanipont

The Nation