Revenue

~US$65.8B (2021)

Employees

~90,000+

Facilities

500+ manufacturing plants globally across 50+ countries

Capabilities

Edible oils, flour milling, rice processing, sugar refining, consumer pack foods, oleochemicals; integrated plantation-to-consumer products

Asia's largest agribusiness company by revenue and the dominant integrated palm oil processor on the planet. Wilmar's reach into food manufacturing is staggering: they own Yihai Kerry (one of China's largest consumer food companies), Goodman Fielder (Australia and New Zealand's major bread, dairy, and spreads manufacturer), and hold a JV with Adani in India (Adani Wilmar, the Fortune brand of edible oils). If you're buying cooking oil, margarine, flour, or sugar anywhere in Asia-Pacific, there's a strong chance Wilmar processed it. Their consumer products division is less visible than their commodity trading, but it's massive—and they do produce private-label and contract-manufactured products across multiple categories and geographies. Listed on the Singapore Exchange; majority owned by the Kuok family.

Revenue

~US$47B (group)

Employees

~30,000+

Facilities

Operations in 60+ countries; processing facilities across APAC, Africa, Americas

Capabilities

Cocoa processing, coffee, edible nuts, spices, dairy ingredients, grains; ingredient supply and co-manufacturing for food/beverage brands

A Fortune 500 agri-food conglomerate that has restructured into two operating groups: Olam Food Ingredients (ofi) and Olam Global Agri (OGA). For food manufacturers, Olam matters primarily as an upstream ingredient supplier—they're one of the world's largest processors of cocoa, coffee, nuts, and spices. Their relevance to this guide is their co-manufacturing capability: ofi operates processing facilities that produce finished and semi-finished food ingredients (cocoa powders, nut butters, dairy blends, spice mixes) for brand owners. Majority owned by Temasek Holdings (Singapore's sovereign wealth fund, ~52% stake) and Mitsubishi Corporation. Not a traditional contract manufacturer, but a critical link in many APAC food supply chains.

Revenue

~S$2B (group)

Employees

~8,000–9,000

Facilities

Bottling and dairy plants in Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand

Capabilities

Soft drinks, isotonic beverages, dairy (condensed/evaporated milk, soy milk), canned beverages; filling/bottling for third parties

One of Southeast Asia's oldest food and beverage companies (founded 1883), F&N operates iconic regional brands: 100PLUS (the dominant isotonic drink in Malaysia and Singapore), F&N NUTRISOY, and Magnolia dairy products. Their beverage division holds significant bottling and canning capacity across Southeast Asia, including contract filling for third-party brands. The subsidiary F&N Holdings Bhd (55.5% owned, listed on Bursa Malaysia) operates the core F&B manufacturing in Malaysia and Thailand. Controlled by Thai billionaire Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi's TCC Group, which also owns ThaiBev. The cross-ownership with ThaiBev means F&N's manufacturing network connects into a broader Southeast Asian beverage ecosystem that includes Chang beer and Oishi green tea.

Revenue

~US$17.8B (2024)

Employees

~130,000+

Facilities

230+ subsidiaries across 15+ countries; major production in Thailand, Vietnam, China, India, Turkey, UK, Russia

Capabilities

Poultry (fully integrated, feed-to-fork), shrimp, pork, ready meals, processed meats, frozen foods; retail and foodservice formats

Part of the Charoen Pokphand Group—Thailand's largest conglomerate—CP Foods is one of the world's largest vertically integrated agri-food companies. Their scale in protein is difficult to overstate: they control every step from animal feed and hatcheries through processing and ready-meal production. The CP brand is ubiquitous across Asia's convenience stores and supermarkets, and their ready-meal lines supply major retailers globally under both CP branding and private label. Their UK operations (via the acquisition of Hilton Food Group and CP Foods UK) are a significant supplier to Tesco and other British retailers. If you need protein or ready-meal co-manufacturing at scale anywhere in Asia, CP Foods is the first conversation—but be prepared for their commercial terms to reflect the leverage of a company that doesn't need your volume.

Revenue

~US$4.2B (2023)

Employees

~44,000

Facilities

Production sites in Thailand, Ghana, Papua New Guinea, Seychelles, Portugal, US, and others

Capabilities

Canned tuna (world's largest), canned sardines, frozen/chilled seafood, shrimp, pet food (branded and OEM); retort processing, frozen IQF, value-added seafood

The world's largest canned tuna producer and arguably the single most important seafood OEM on the planet. Thai Union owns Chicken of the Sea (US), John West (UK/Australia), King Oscar (Norway), and the Sealect brand (Thailand). But the heart of their business is contract manufacturing: they produce private-label canned and pouched seafood for virtually every major grocery retailer in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. If you're a retailer with a store-brand tuna line, you're almost certainly buying from Thai Union or one of their direct competitors. Their Samut Sakhon facilities represent one of the highest concentrations of seafood processing capacity anywhere in the world. Founded in 1977 as the Thai Tuna Industry Company; listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand.

Revenue

~US$300M

Employees

~3,000–4,000

Facilities

Multiple plants in Thailand; production operations in Myanmar, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Hungary

Capabilities

Instant noodles (dried and cup), rice vermicelli, seasoning packets, OEM noodle production for third-party brands

The company behind MAMA instant noodles—one of the most recognized noodle brands in Asia and a cult favorite globally. Beyond their branded business, Thai President Foods operates significant OEM production lines for private-label instant noodles destined for export markets. Their expertise in noodle manufacturing technology (drying, frying, seasoning, packaging) is deep, and they're one of the go-to OEM partners for retailers and brands that need instant noodle products manufactured to Asian quality standards. Part of the Saha Group, one of Thailand's largest consumer goods conglomerates.

Revenue

Undisclosed (mid-size exporter)

Employees

~500–1,000

Facilities

Manufacturing complex in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand

Capabilities

Sauces (curry pastes, cooking sauces, dipping sauces), coconut milk/cream, seasonings, condiments; 300+ SKUs; private label and branded

A specialist OEM that does exactly what Thailand does best: produce high-quality Asian sauces, pastes, and coconut products for global brands under their label. With 300+ SKUs and exports to 65+ countries, Exotic Food is representative of a tier of Thai manufacturers that exist almost entirely to serve OEM demand from Western retailers and brands. If you need Thai curry paste, coconut milk, or stir-fry sauce produced under your brand with proper export certifications, companies like Exotic Food are purpose-built for that conversation. They're large enough for serious volume but small enough that you'll deal with decision-makers directly.

Revenue

Undisclosed

Employees

~500+

Facilities

Nakhon Pathom, Thailand

Capabilities

Canned tropical fruits (rambutan, lychee, longan, jackfruit, mango, pineapple), fruit juices, coconut milk; aseptic and retort processing

Over 70 years in the canned tropical fruit business, Erawan is Thailand's number one rambutan exporter and a significant OEM supplier of canned tropical fruits to global markets. Their specialty is the category of products that Thailand dominates globally—canned tropical fruits that simply can't be produced at scale anywhere else because the raw materials don't exist outside Southeast Asia. For Western brands looking to add canned tropical fruit to their range, Erawan and its Thai competitors represent essentially the only supply base.

Revenue

~US$2B+ (Masan Consumer segment)

Employees

Part of Masan Group (~10,000+ across group)

Facilities

Multiple factories across Vietnam; integrated supply chain from production through 3,600+ WinMart/WinMart+ retail stores

Capabilities

Instant noodles (Omachi, Kokomi), sauces/condiments (CHIN-SU fish sauce, soy sauce), coffee (Vinacafé, Wake-up), processed meats (MEATDeli chilled meat), seasonings

Vietnam's largest domestic consumer goods company, and a case study in how APAC food companies build integrated ecosystems rather than single-category businesses. Masan Group (parent) is a top-3 Vietnamese conglomerate by market cap, and its consumer division has achieved 98% household penetration with brands like CHIN-SU (Vietnam's number one fish sauce), Omachi instant noodles, and Vinacafé. The MEATDeli subsidiary operates Vietnam's first BRC-certified chilled meat facility—a significant milestone in a market where cold chain infrastructure has historically been limited. Masan acquired VinGroup's retail arm (now WinCommerce) in 2019, creating a rare manufacturer-to-retailer vertical integration. Contract manufacturing is secondary to their branded business, but their scale and infrastructure make them a relevant partner for brands seeking to enter the Vietnamese market or produce for ASEAN export.

Revenue

~US$600M+

Employees

~6,000+

Facilities

Multiple factories across Vietnam (Binh Duong, Binh Thanh, Da Nang, others)

Capabilities

Instant noodles (Hảo Hảo brand—Vietnam's best-selling), vermicelli, phở instant products, snacks; fried and air-dried noodle technology

A subsidiary of Japan's Acecook Co., Ltd., Acecook Vietnam has become one of the country's dominant instant noodle manufacturers since entering the market in 1993. Their Hảo Hảo brand is the single best-selling instant noodle product in Vietnam—a remarkable achievement in a market where per-capita noodle consumption is among the world's highest. The Japanese parentage means manufacturing standards and quality control systems are Japanese-influenced, which translates to higher baseline process discipline than many domestic competitors. Primarily a branded operator, but relevant for anyone looking to understand the instant noodle OEM landscape in Vietnam or seeking manufacturing partnerships with Japanese-standard quality systems.

Revenue

~US$5B+ (group)

Employees

~90,000+

Facilities

100+ production facilities across Indonesia; international operations in Malaysia, Nigeria, Morocco, Egypt, Sudan, Kenya, Ethiopia, and others

Capabilities

Instant noodles (world's largest producer—Indomie brand), flour milling (Bogasari—largest single flour mill globally), edible oils, snacks, dairy, seasonings, nutrition; fully integrated from raw materials to distribution

Indofood is not just Indonesia's largest food company—it's a category-defining conglomerate that essentially is the Indonesian food industry. Their Indomie brand is the world's most consumed instant noodle, selling tens of billions of packs annually across 100+ countries. Bogasari, their flour milling division, operates what is believed to be the world's largest flour mill in Jakarta. The company is structured across five business groups: Consumer Branded Products (ICBP), Bogasari (flour), Agribusiness (palm oil, rubber, sugar), Distribution, and Cultivation. Part of the Salim Group, Indonesia's most powerful conglomerate, which also controls Indomaret (the nation's largest convenience store chain). Contract manufacturing for third parties is not Indofood's primary model—they're an integrated branded operator—but their dominance of the Indonesian food supply chain makes them an unavoidable reference point for anyone manufacturing or selling food in the country.

Revenue

~US$2.5B+

Employees

~30,000+

Facilities

Multiple factories across Indonesia; export manufacturing facilities

Capabilities

Biscuits, wafers, confectionery (Kopiko coffee candy), beverages (Torabika coffee), instant noodles; strong export orientation

Indonesia's second-largest confectionery and snack manufacturer after Indofood's ICBP division. Mayora is notable for having built genuinely international brands—Kopiko coffee candy is recognized across Asia, the Middle East, and parts of Europe—from an Indonesian base. Their manufacturing capabilities span biscuits, wafers, chocolate, coffee, and cereal products, and their export operations are significant. While primarily a branded operator, their manufacturing scale in confectionery and snacks makes them relevant for OEM discussions in those categories. Listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange; controlled by the Atmadja family.

Revenue

Undisclosed (estimated multi-billion USD, Wings Group)

Employees

~20,000+ (food division)

Facilities

Multiple manufacturing facilities across Indonesia

Capabilities

Instant noodles (Mie Sedaap—#2 brand in Indonesia), beverages, confectionery, snacks; direct competitor to Indofood in noodles

Part of the Wings Group—one of Indonesia's largest family-owned conglomerates (Katuari family)—Wings Food achieved the seemingly impossible: breaking Indofood's near-monopoly in the Indonesian instant noodle market with their Mie Sedaap brand, launched in 2003. Within two decades, Mie Sedaap captured roughly 25–30% of the Indonesian noodle market, making it the only meaningful competitor to Indomie. Wings Group is famously private (no public listings, limited financial disclosure), but their food manufacturing infrastructure is substantial. Primarily a branded competitor, but their demonstrated capability in high-volume noodle and snack production is noteworthy.

Revenue

~US$7–8B (food and beverage segment)

Employees

~25,000+

Facilities

Extensive production network across the Philippines; regional operations in Southeast Asia

Capabilities

Beer (San Miguel Beer), spirits (Ginebra San Miguel), poultry and meats (Magnolia, Purefoods, Star), processed foods, flour milling, dairy, animal feeds; fully integrated protein supply chain with 40%+ market share in Philippine poultry

The food and beverage arm of the San Miguel Corporation—the Philippines' largest and most diversified conglomerate. San Miguel is to the Philippines what Indofood is to Indonesia: an integrated food empire that spans from animal feed production through branded consumer products. The Magnolia/Purefoods/Star brand portfolio dominates Philippine poultry, processed meats, and dairy. Their JV with Hormel (Hormel Philippines) handles the local production of Hormel-branded products. San Miguel Beer is the Philippines' iconic beer brand. While not primarily a contract manufacturer, San Miguel's scale, supply chain integration, and market dominance make them an essential reference for anyone operating in the Philippine food sector.

Revenue

~US$2.5–3B

Employees

~15,000+

Facilities

19 production sites in the Philippines; manufacturing in China, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, New Zealand

Capabilities

Snacks (Jack 'n Jill—Southeast Asia's leading snack brand), beverages (C2 tea, Great Taste coffee), biscuits, confectionery, instant noodles; branded and OEM

Self-described as a "Philippine Pan-ASEAN Multinational," URC is the food arm of the Gokongwei family's JG Summit Holdings and the country's leading processed food exporter. Their Jack 'n Jill snack brand has genuine pan-ASEAN distribution, and the company operates 19 production facilities in the Philippines alone, with additional plants across six other Asian countries plus New Zealand. The breadth of their manufacturing capability—snacks, biscuits, confectionery, beverages, noodles—combined with their multi-country manufacturing footprint makes URC one of the more versatile potential OEM partners in Southeast Asia. They've built manufacturing networks that serve local markets from local plants, which means they understand the regulatory and taste profile requirements across multiple ASEAN markets.

Revenue

~US$1B+

Employees

~8,000+

Facilities

Multiple canneries and processing plants in the Philippines

Capabilities

Canned tuna (Century Tuna—Philippines' #1 tuna brand), canned sardines (555 Sardines), canned meat, coconut products, dairy; canning and retort processing

The Philippines' leading canned food company and one of the largest canned tuna producers in the world. Century Tuna holds dominant market share in the Philippine tuna category, and 555 Sardines is equally dominant in sardines. Their canning and retort processing capabilities are world-class, and they're a significant OEM supplier of canned seafood to international markets. The company has also expanded into coconut-based products (coco water, coco cream) and plant-based alternatives, capitalizing on the Philippines' position as a major coconut producer. Listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange; controlled by the Poe family.

Revenue

Undisclosed (privately held)

Employees

~3,000+

Facilities

Manufacturing plants in Bulacan and Marilao, Philippines

Capabilities

Condiments and sauces: banana ketchup (UFC), soy sauce (Silver Swan), vinegar, cooking oils, hot sauce (Mang Tomas); bottling and sachet formats

The dominant condiments manufacturer in the Philippines and the company behind some of the country's most iconic kitchen staples: UFC Banana Ketchup, Silver Swan Soy Sauce, Datu Puti Vinegar, and Mang Tomas All-Purpose Sauce. NutriAsia holds commanding market shares across virtually every condiment category in the Philippines. For OEM purposes, they're relevant as the only manufacturer with the scale and formulation expertise to produce Filipino-style condiments (banana ketchup in particular is a uniquely Philippine product) for export markets. Privately held by the Campos family.

Revenue

~¥300B+ (~US$2B, Nichirei Foods segment)

Employees

~16,000+ (Nichirei Group)

Facilities

Multiple processing plants across Japan; overseas production in Thailand, China, Brazil

Capabilities

Frozen foods (Japan's largest—fried chicken, croquettes, rice dishes, gratin, hamburger steaks), ready meals, frozen vegetables, acerola products; advanced IQF and retort processing

Japan's largest frozen food manufacturer by market share, Nichirei Foods is the standard-bearer for the category in a country where frozen food quality expectations are astronomically high. Their fried chicken (karaage) and croquette lines are benchmarks in Japanese convenience store and retail frozen food. The Nichirei Group also operates one of Japan's largest cold chain logistics networks—a vertically integrated advantage that's difficult for competitors to replicate. OEM production exists within their operations but is relationship-driven and not commercially solicited in the way Western companies would expect. Parent company Nichirei Corporation is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

Revenue

~¥1.3T (~US$8.5B)

Employees

~30,000+

Facilities

Extensive production network across Japan; operations in Australia, US, South America, Southeast Asia

Capabilities

Processed meats (ham, sausages, bacon—Japan's #1), fresh meats, deli products, frozen foods, cheese; integrated livestock through processed products

Japan's largest meat processor and one of the largest globally. NH Foods operates a fully integrated protein supply chain from livestock production (particularly in Australia, where they own significant cattle operations) through branded consumer products. The Nippon Ham brand dominates Japan's processed meat category. Their manufacturing capabilities extend beyond meat into prepared foods, pizza, and cheese, with plants across Japan, Australia, and the Americas. Like most Japanese food manufacturers, their co-manufacturing activity is embedded within their branded operations rather than offered as a standalone service. The company's Australian operations (through subsidiary NH Foods Australia) are a significant beef processor and exporter.

Revenue

~¥1.4T (~US$9.5B)

Employees

~34,000

Facilities

130+ factories in 35+ countries, with major food production in Japan, Thailand, Brazil, Indonesia, Vietnam

Capabilities

Amino acids, seasonings (AJI-NO-MOTO® MSG, HON-DASHI®), frozen foods (Gyoza, fried rice), processed foods, food ingredients for B2B; advanced fermentation and enzymatic processing technologies

One of the world's most important food ingredient companies, Ajinomoto invented monosodium glutamate (MSG) in 1909 and has since built a global empire spanning amino acids, seasonings, frozen foods, and specialty food ingredients. Their relevance to contract manufacturing is primarily through their B2B food ingredients division, which supplies amino acid-based ingredients, flavor enhancers, and functional food ingredients to food manufacturers globally. Their frozen food division (particularly gyoza and Asian-style ready meals) is a major branded player in Japan and increasingly in the US and Europe. Ajinomoto's ASEAN operations—particularly in Thailand and Indonesia—are significant production hubs for both consumer products and food ingredients.

Revenue

~¥330B (~US$2.2B)

Employees

~6,000+

Facilities

18+ factories in Japan; production in US, UK, Indonesia, Thailand, China, South Korea, Australia

Capabilities

Potato snacks (Calbee Potato Chips, Jagarico, Kappa Ebisen), cereal (Frugra), vegetable chips; advanced frying, seasoning, and extrusion technologies

Japan's largest snack food manufacturer—Calbee holds roughly 50%+ of the Japanese potato snack market—and an increasingly global player with operations spanning the US (Calbee North America), UK, and multiple Asian markets. Their manufacturing technology in potato processing, seasoning application, and snack extrusion is among the most advanced in the world. PepsiCo holds a ~25% stake, providing distribution and market access support. Contract manufacturing is not Calbee's primary model, but their international expansion has included co-manufacturing arrangements in several markets. Their Frugra cereal brand has become a significant export product, particularly to China.

Revenue

~¥220B (~US$1.5B)

Employees

~2,800

Facilities

Plants in Japan, US, Australia, Portugal, Taiwan

Capabilities

Tomato-based products (ketchup, sauces, tomato juice—Japan's #1), vegetable juices, vegetable-based beverages, baby food, soups

Japan's dominant tomato products company—holding roughly 60% of the domestic ketchup market—and a significant player in vegetable juice beverages. Kagome has been processing tomatoes since 1899 and operates one of the most sophisticated tomato and vegetable processing operations in the world, including proprietary cultivar development. Their international operations include processing facilities in the US and Australia. Primarily a branded manufacturer, but their B2B ingredient supply business (tomato paste, vegetable ingredients for food manufacturers) is a meaningful secondary channel.

Revenue

~₩3.7T (~US$2.8B, food segment)

Employees

~20,000+

Facilities

30+ production facilities across South Korea, US (Schwan's acquisition), Europe (Hungary), China, Vietnam, Indonesia, and others

Capabilities

Frozen foods (Bibigo dumplings—global #1 frozen dumpling brand), processed meats, kimchi, gochujang, sauces, amino acids, food ingredients; B2B bio and food ingredient supply

The food arm of the CJ Group—a Samsung-originated conglomerate—and arguably the single most important company in the global K-food phenomenon. CJ CheilJedang's Bibigo brand has become the world's number-one frozen dumpling brand, and their US presence expanded dramatically through the 2019 acquisition of Schwan's Company (Schwan's frozen meals, Red Baron pizza, Edwards desserts) and Kahiki Foods. That acquisition gave CJ CheilJedang significant US manufacturing capacity and retail distribution infrastructure. Their bio division is one of the world's largest producers of amino acids and functional food ingredients. Founded in 1953 as a sugar manufacturer; the 70-year evolution from commodity sugar to global K-food brand is one of the more impressive corporate transformations in Asian food.

Revenue

~₩3T (~US$2.3B)

Employees

~5,000+

Facilities

4 plants in South Korea; factories in US (Los Angeles), China (Shanghai, Shenyang, Qingdao, Yantai)

Capabilities

Instant noodles (Shin Ramyun—global flagship), snacks (Shrimp Chips, Onion Rings), bottled water (Jeju Samdasoo)

South Korea's number-one instant noodle company and the maker of Shin Ramyun—which has achieved the rare status of a globally recognized Asian food brand competing on mainstream grocery shelves in North America and Europe alongside Nissin and Maruchan. Nongshim's US manufacturing facility in Los Angeles produces for the North American market directly, and their four Chinese plants serve the world's largest instant noodle market. Their snack portfolio (Shrimp Chips in particular) has similarly built international distribution. Primarily a branded manufacturer, but their manufacturing expertise in noodle technology is deep and their international production footprint gives them multi-market capability.

Revenue

~₩3T (~US$2.3B)

Employees

~3,500+

Facilities

Plants in South Korea; new US facility in California; operations in Vietnam, China, New Zealand

Capabilities

Ready-to-eat meals, instant noodles (Jin Ramen), sauces (ketchup, mayonnaise, curry), frozen foods, seasonings

The other Korean food giant—Ottogi occupies a similar market position to CJ CheilJedang and Nongshim, competing across instant noodles, sauces, and ready-to-eat categories. Their Jin Ramen is the second-best-selling instant noodle brand in Korea. What's notable for this guide is Ottogi's recent expansion into US manufacturing: a new production facility in California represents a bet on serving the growing American appetite for Korean food with locally produced products rather than imports. Their sauce and condiment range (Korean curry, ketchup, mayonnaise) fills a slightly different niche than CJ's frozen dumpling focus. Founded by the Ham family in 1969; still family-controlled.

Revenue

~₩4.5T (~US$3.4B)

Employees

~5,000+

Facilities

Plants in South Korea, Indonesia, Vietnam, China

Capabilities

Fermented foods (Jongga kimchi—world's largest kimchi brand), sauces (gochujang, doenjang, soy sauce), amino acids, starch sweeteners, food ingredients (B2B)

Less well-known internationally than CJ or Nongshim, Daesang is actually South Korea's largest food ingredients company and the owner of Jongga—the world's largest commercially produced kimchi brand. Their strength is in fermentation technology and food ingredient manufacturing: amino acids (they're a global top-three producer of some amino acid variants), starch-based sweeteners, and the traditional Korean fermented pastes (gochujang, doenjang, cheonggukjang) that are driving K-food export growth. For Western brands looking to source authentic Korean fermented condiments or specialty ingredients at scale, Daesang's manufacturing capabilities are essentially unmatched. Their B2B food ingredients division supplies manufacturers across Asia and beyond.

Revenue

~US$24B (group)

Employees

~100,000+

Facilities

Major processing facilities across China, US (Smithfield Foods), Europe (Campofrio); integrated from hog farming through branded consumer products

Capabilities

Pork processing (world's largest), ham, sausages, bacon, packaged meats, fresh pork; hot dogs, deli meats (via Smithfield)

The world's largest pork company, period. WH Group acquired Smithfield Foods (the largest US pork producer) in 2013 for $4.7 billion—at the time, the largest Chinese acquisition of a US company in history. The group's Chinese operations (branded as Shuanghui/Shineway) dominate the domestic processed meat market, while Smithfield Foods handles North America, and the Campofrio brand covers Europe. This is a vertically integrated global meat empire: from hog genetics and feed through slaughter, processing, and branded consumer products. Listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Not a contract manufacturer in the traditional sense, but their scale in protein processing—particularly pork—makes them the defining reference point for the global meat supply chain.

Revenue

~US$21B (retail sales value, 2021)

Employees

~60,000+

Facilities

80+ production bases across China; international operations in New Zealand, Indonesia, Thailand

Capabilities

Liquid milk, yogurt, milk powder, ice cream, cheese, infant formula, plant-based beverages; UHT, fermented, freeze-drying, spray-drying technologies

China's largest dairy company by revenue and one of the top five dairy companies globally. Yili's scale in the Chinese dairy market is staggering—their product range covers liquid milk, yogurt, ice cream, infant formula, and cheese, with distribution reaching virtually every corner of China. They acquired New Zealand's Westland Dairy in 2019, securing premium milk powder supply for the Chinese market. Yili's manufacturing operations are among the most automated in Asia, with several "smart manufacturing" showcase plants. Primarily a branded operator, but their New Zealand subsidiary and B2B ingredient operations make them relevant for dairy sourcing discussions.

Revenue

~US$8–9B

Employees

~55,000+

Facilities

100+ production lines across China

Capabilities

Instant noodles (Master Kong—China's #1), ready-to-drink beverages (tea, juice, water—via PepsiCo JV), bakery products

Founded by Taiwanese businessmen (the Wei brothers), Tingyi is the dominant instant noodle company in China—Master Kong (康师傅) noodles are as ubiquitous in Chinese convenience stores as Coca-Cola is in American ones. Their beverage division, operated through a strategic partnership with PepsiCo, is equally massive: Tingyi manufactures and distributes PepsiCo-branded beverages across China while also selling its own tea, juice, and water brands. Listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Purely a branded operator for the Chinese market, but their manufacturing scale—100+ production lines—and their PepsiCo partnership make them a bellwether for Chinese food manufacturing standards.

Revenue

~US$15B

Employees

~45,000+

Facilities

60+ production bases across China; international operations in Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia

Capabilities

Liquid milk, yogurt, ice cream, cheese, milk powder, infant formula; UHT, low-temperature dairy, fermentation

China's number-two dairy company behind Yili, and the two together dominate Chinese dairy to a degree that leaves limited room for international competitors. Mengniu's international expansion has been aggressive: they acquired Australia's Burra Foods and Lion Dairy & Drinks, and partnered with Arla Foods (Denmark) for expertise in infant formula and cheese production. COFCO (the state-owned food conglomerate) is a major shareholder. Their scale in yogurt and ambient dairy is enormous, and their Australian acquisitions give them access to premium milk powder supply. Like Yili, primarily branded, but their Australian operations are active in B2B dairy ingredient supply.

Revenue

~US$3.5B

Employees

~40,000+

Facilities

30+ production bases across China; operations in Taiwan, Vietnam, Myanmar, Indonesia, Japan

Capabilities

Rice crackers (Hot Kid—China's #1), flavored milk (Hot Kid milk), snacks, confectionery, dairy beverages; specialized rice cracker and puffed snack technology

A Taiwanese-founded company that has become one of China's most recognizable snack brands. Want Want's Hot Kid (旺旺) rice crackers and flavored milk products occupy a unique niche in the Chinese market—they're nostalgic childhood brands for hundreds of millions of Chinese consumers. Their rice cracker manufacturing technology is specialized and difficult to replicate at scale. Listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange; controlled by the Tsai family (Taiwan). Primarily a branded operator, but their multi-market APAC manufacturing presence and specialization in rice-based snacks make them notable in the snack OEM landscape.

Revenue

~US$100B+ (diversified conglomerate)

Employees

~100,000+

Facilities

Global operations across 140+ countries; major processing facilities in China, Brazil, South America, Black Sea region

Capabilities

Grain trading and processing, edible oils (Fortune brand), sugar, cotton, meat, dairy, wine, confectionery (Le Conte), processed foods; vertically integrated from global commodity sourcing through branded consumer products

China's largest state-owned food and agriculture company, and one of the largest agribusiness conglomerates in the world. COFCO operates at a scale that's difficult to comprehend: it's a global grain trader rivaling Cargill and ADM, a major Chinese consumer food brand owner (Fulinmen oils, Cofco wines, Le Conte confectionery), and a critical strategic asset in China's food security infrastructure. Their consumer-facing operations include edible oils, processed foods, beverages, meat, and dairy—essentially touching every major food category. For sourcing purposes, COFCO matters primarily as an upstream supplier (grains, oils, sugar) and as a signal of how China's state-directed food policy shapes the manufacturing landscape.

Revenue

~₹3,000–4,000 Cr (~US$360–480M)

Employees

~5,000+

Facilities

8+ manufacturing facilities across India (Gujarat, Goa, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, and others)

Capabilities

Multi-category FMCG contract manufacturing: foods, beverages, personal care, home care; flexible manufacturing for major brand owners

India's most diversified FMCG contract manufacturer and the closest thing the country has to a Western-style co-manufacturing platform. HFL operates dedicated production lines for clients including Hindustan Unilever, Reckitt Benckiser, Godrej Consumer Products, Danone, and Hector Beverages—an impressive roster that spans multinational FMCG giants and high-growth domestic brands. Their model is purpose-built for the Indian market: manufacturers that want to outsource production to a dedicated partner rather than building and operating their own plants across India's vast geography. Twenty years of operation across 8+ facilities covering food, beverage, and non-food FMCG categories. Listed on the BSE and NSE.

Revenue

~₹18,000 Cr (~US$2.2B, FMCG segment)

Employees

~36,000 (group)

Facilities

Extensive manufacturing network across India; dedicated food production facilities in multiple states

Capabilities

Flour and wheat products (Aashirvaad—India's #1 atta brand), biscuits (Sunfeast), snacks (Bingo!, YiPPee! noodles), ready meals, frozen foods, dairy

One of India's most diversified conglomerates, ITC entered the food business in 2001 and has since built a foods division that competes with Nestlé, HUL, and Britannia across multiple categories. Aashirvaad is India's number-one packaged atta (wheat flour) brand; Sunfeast competes in biscuits; Bingo! in snacks; YiPPee! in instant noodles. ITC's food manufacturing infrastructure is substantial, backed by the conglomerate's deeper resources in agriculture (ITC's Agri Business division has a massive sourcing network across rural India). Primarily a branded operator, but their B2B ingredient capabilities and agricultural supply chain make them a significant player in India's broader food manufacturing ecosystem. ITC's heritage is in cigarettes and tobacco (still a major revenue source), but the food division represents the future growth strategy.

Revenue

~₹16,000 Cr (~US$1.9B)

Employees

~5,000+

Facilities

14+ manufacturing plants across India; plus contract manufacturing network

Capabilities

Biscuits (Good Day, Marie Gold, NutriChoice—India's #1 biscuit company), breads, cakes, dairy (cheese, yogurt), croissants

India's dominant biscuit manufacturer—with over 100 years of history—and one of the most trusted food brands in the country. Britannia holds roughly 33% of India's organized biscuit market, and their distribution network reaches millions of retail outlets across India's fragmented retail landscape. What's notable for this guide is that Britannia itself uses a network of third-party contract manufacturers to supplement its own production capacity—a model that illustrates how even India's largest food brands rely on the contract manufacturing ecosystem. Their recent expansion into adjacent categories (dairy, bread, croissants) demonstrates the ambition to evolve from a biscuit company into a broader food platform. Wadia Group holds a controlling stake.

Revenue

~₹50,000 Cr (~US$6B)

Employees

~5,000+

Facilities

22+ manufacturing units across India; port-based refineries in Mundra, Mangalore, Haldia, Krishnapatnam

Capabilities

Edible oils (Fortune—India's #1), wheat flour, rice, sugar, soya chunks, ready-to-cook products; oil refining, crushing, milling, packaging

A joint venture between the Adani Group and Wilmar International (Singapore), Adani Wilmar operates India's largest edible oil brand (Fortune) and has expanded into staple foods (flour, rice, pulses) to become one of India's largest food FMCG companies. Their manufacturing infrastructure leverages the Adani Group's massive port and logistics network—their oil refineries are strategically located at ports (Mundra, Mangalore) to minimize import-to-processing time. The Wilmar partnership brings global commodity sourcing expertise and palm oil supply chain integration. Listed on the BSE and NSE. Relevant for food manufacturers needing bulk edible oil, flour, or staple food processing at scale in India.

Revenue

~₹12,000 Cr (~US$1.4B)

Employees

~7,500+

Facilities

12+ plants across India; international manufacturing in Nepal, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria

Capabilities

Ayurvedic and natural health products, fruit juices (Réal—India's #1), honey (India's #1), digestives (Hajmola), herbal formulations; B2B ingredient supply

India's largest Ayurvedic and natural products company, Dabur occupies a unique niche at the intersection of food, health, and traditional Indian medicine. Their food portfolio includes India's number-one honey brand (Dabur Honey) and number-one packaged fruit juice (Réal). Dabur's manufacturing expertise in herbal and Ayurvedic formulations is highly specialized—their production processes blend traditional knowledge with modern food manufacturing technology. For Western brands interested in the rapidly growing "Ayurvedic" and "natural wellness" food categories, Dabur's 140+ years of experience in this space makes them a relevant reference. Controlled by the Burman family (fourth generation).

Revenue

~NZ$22B+ (~US$13B)

Employees

~20,000

Facilities

26+ production sites in New Zealand, plus operations in Australia, China, Chile, and others

Capabilities

Dairy ingredients (WPC, WPI, MPC, casein, caseinates, AMF, cream), milk powder (SMP, WMP), UHT milk, cheese, butter, cream, infant formula ingredients; spray-drying, ultrafiltration, evaporation

The world's largest dairy exporter, responsible for approximately 30% of global dairy trade. Fonterra is structured as a cooperative owned by roughly 9,000 New Zealand dairy farmers, and its influence on New Zealand's economy and food manufacturing sector is difficult to overstate—dairy accounts for roughly 25–30% of New Zealand's total goods exports, and Fonterra handles the lion's share. Their B2B ingredients division supplies dairy ingredients to food manufacturers worldwide, and their consumer/foodservice brands (Anchor, Anlene, NZMP) are distributed globally. For food manufacturers needing dairy ingredients at global scale—whey protein, milk powders, specialty dairy ingredients—Fonterra is one of a handful of companies that can deliver the volumes and consistency required. Their regulatory environment (New Zealand's Dairy Industry Restructuring Act) uniquely requires them to supply competing processors at regulated prices.

Revenue

~NZ$1.3B (~US$780M)

Employees

~1,100

Facilities

Two manufacturing sites: Canterbury and North Waikato, New Zealand

Capabilities

Infant formula (contract blending and canning), milk powders, cream, butter, consumer-packed milk; spray-drying, blending, canning for third-party brands

A specialist dairy processor that has built its business explicitly around contract manufacturing—particularly infant formula. Synlait is the primary contract manufacturer for A2 Milk Company's infant formula products, and their facilities are purpose-designed for the high-margin, high-specification world of infant formula production (where regulatory requirements are the most demanding in the food industry). Approximately 250 dairy supplier farms; 39% owned by China's Bright Dairy. Synlait represents the dedicated contract manufacturing model that's relatively rare in APAC—a company built from the ground up to produce for other brands rather than building brands of its own.

Revenue

~A$2.5B+

Employees

~6,000

Facilities

Manufacturing sites across Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea

Capabilities

Bread (Helga's, Wonder White, Vogel's), dairy (Meadow Fresh, Puhoi Valley, Yoplait NZ), baking (Edmonds, White Wings), spreads (MeadowLea), dressings; retail and foodservice

Australia and New Zealand's largest everyday food company—a portfolio of iconic Antipodean brands spanning bread, dairy, baking, and spreads. Goodman Fielder operates the kind of multi-category, multi-facility manufacturing network that makes them both a branded producer and a significant private-label supplier to Coles, Woolworths, and New Zealand grocery retailers. Owned by Wilmar International (Singapore), which acquired the company in 2015. The Wilmar ownership connects Goodman Fielder into a broader APAC food manufacturing network, with access to Wilmar's commodity supply chain (oils, flour, sugar) and regional distribution infrastructure. Their foodservice division is a major supplier to Australian and New Zealand quick-service restaurants, cafes, and hotels.

Revenue

~A$2B+

Employees

~3,500

Facilities

Multiple manufacturing plants across Australia (Victoria, Tasmania)

Capabilities

Frozen vegetables (Birds Eye), canned vegetables (Edgell), canned seafood (John West), frozen meals, pet food; IQF, retort canning, blast freezing

The Australian arm of the American Simplot family's food empire, Simplot Australia owns some of the country's most recognized frozen and canned food brands: Birds Eye (frozen vegetables and meals), Edgell (canned vegetables), John West (canned seafood), and Leggo's (pasta sauces). Their manufacturing operations span frozen food processing, canning, and sauce production. Like Nomad Foods in Europe, Simplot Australia operates both branded production and significant private-label supply to Coles and Woolworths from the same facilities. Their Tasmanian operations are a major frozen vegetable processing hub, leveraging Tasmania's clean growing conditions.

Revenue

Undisclosed

Employees

~500+

Facilities

Manufacturing sites in New South Wales and Victoria, Australia

Capabilities

Bars (200M+ units annually), muesli and granola (250M+ bowls annually), trail mixes, health snacks; branded and private label

One of Australia's largest dedicated contract manufacturers in the health food and snack bar space. Good Food Partners produces 200 million+ bars and 250 million+ bowls of muesli/granola annually—a production volume that puts them squarely in the category of serious industrial-scale co-manufacturers, not small-batch artisans. They serve both major Australian retailers with private-label products and branded clients with co-manufactured products. For international brands looking for Australian-made bar or cereal products (leveraging "Made in Australia" provenance), Good Food Partners is one of the few co-manufacturers with the scale and certifications to deliver.

Revenue

Undisclosed

Employees

~200+

Facilities

Manufacturing facility in Melbourne, Australia

Capabilities

Powder and liquid contract manufacturing: sports nutrition, protein powders, plant-based beverages, dairy blends, functional beverages, infant food; spray-drying, blending, liquid filling

A specialist Australian contract manufacturer focused on powder and liquid nutritional products—sports nutrition, protein supplements, plant-based beverages, and functional food powders. Operating since 1997, Maltra occupies the kind of niche that's increasingly important as the line between "food" and "functional nutrition" continues to blur. For brands in the sports nutrition, health food, or plant-based beverage space that want Australian-made products, Maltra is one of the established co-manufacturing options. Their capabilities in spray-drying and powder blending are well-suited for the growing functional food ingredient sector.