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Published on February 2, 2008

The acquisition, through subsidiary Maharas Agri, paves the way for ThaiBev to enter the segment. President Thapana Sirivadhanabhakdi said it would also strengthen ThaiBev's position as a leading beverage player in Thailand.

Wrangyer has been one of the leading players in the energy-drink market for more than 10 years. Its factory in Nakhon Pathom has a capacity of nearly 400 million units a year. Currently it hires other manufacturers to produce ready-to-drink coffee.

THAI kitchen certified halal

Thai Airways International has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Islamic Committee of Samut Prakan province under which the airline's kitchen is fully certified as halal.

In addition, the company's foods will be allowed to use a halal logo authorised by the Central Islamic Committee of Thailand.

THAI's kitchen at Suvarnabhumi Airport received a halal food certificate from the Institute for Halal Food Standards of Thailand on January 1. The airline provides 5,000 halal meals a day to about 10 airlines.

Export growth target remains

The Commerce Ministry has maintained its export growth target of 10-12.5 per cent this year, despite the volatile baht and the slowdown in the US and global economy.

Rachane Pojanasuntorn, director-general of the Export Promotion Department, said export value would rise to US$165 billion (Bt5.46 trillion) to $169 billion as expected because the public and private sectors had adjusted their strategies to overcome negative factors.

"Exports in January should be worth no less than $13 billion," he said.

Trade counsels from around the world will brainstorm in Bangkok this month to adjust strategies in penetrating new markets.

Extra flights for Chinese festival

Air China is adding 2,025 extra charter flights during the 40-day Chinese New Year travel season, which runs from January 23 to March 2.

The additional flights, with 273,979 seats, will focus mainly on domestic destinations as well as international ones concentrated in Southeast Asia, including Phuket, Angkor Wat and Penang.

The Nation