AIG makes strategic investment in GC Food to boost agri-exports

AIG makes strategic investment in GC Food to boost agri-exports

Asia Ingredients Group (AIG) in early August became a strategic partner of GC Food JSC, marking a new milestone in its strategy to expand a deeply integrated agricultural ecosystem and elevate the global presence of Vietnam’s agricultural products.

Under the cooperation agreement, AIG has invested in and acquired over 52.8 per cent of shares in GC Food, a market leader in the processing of aloe vera and nata de coco.

This investment opens the door to upgrading the branding of Vietnamese agricultural products through a closed-loop supply chain and high-value-added products.

AIG is known as a pioneer in deep-processed agricultural products, with a business ecosystem spanning across Vietnam. The group currently leads the market in processed coconut products such as Vico Fresh UHT coconut water, desiccated coconut, coconut milk, and coconut milk powder, produced by Asia Coconut Processing.

In addition, AIG owns Mekong Delta Gourmet, which specialises in purées, fresh fruit juices, and frozen fruits; Asia Specialty Ingredients in Hung Yen, which manufactures essential oils and flavourings from cinnamon, star anise, and basil; and Asia Hoa Son Corporation in Nghe An province, which produces tapioca starch, dried cassava residue, and glucose syrup.

GC Food brings to the table a strong advantage in aloe vera and nata de coco sourcing, with the largest raw material areas in Vietnam and a tightly controlled production process that adheres to high safety and quality standards. Both companies share a common vision and development strategy focused on sustainable, high-quality agriculture.

The partnership between AIG and GC Food not only optimises resources but also expands the product portfolio, diversifies export markets, and adds more value to Vietnamese agricultural products.

GC Food has officially joined AIG’s deeply integrated agricultural production and processing ecosystem, helping to further unlock the export potential of Vietnamese agricultural products on the global stage.

Global consumption is shifting rapidly towards deeply processed agricultural goods that are traceable, safe, and sustainable. According to OECD-FAO forecasts, global agricultural consumption will increase by 13 per cent by 2034.

At the same time, foreign-invested enterprises and major retail chains are prioritising partnerships with suppliers that own certified raw material zones, apply advanced technologies, and are transparent in quality control.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, Vietnam’s agricultural export turnover reached $21.49 billion in the first seven months of 2025, up 17 per cent on-year. The country is gradually transforming into a globally influential agri-exporter, thanks to a combination of state policy and corporate production capacity.

This presents major opportunities, but also significant challenges for Vietnamese businesses looking to integrate more deeply into the global value chain. It demands serious investment in product quality, processing technology, and supply chain management.

AIG’s network of agricultural processing plants applies automated production lines and advanced quality control systems that meet stringent European standards.

AIG is among the pioneers riding this wave. With a closed-loop ecosystem from raw material cultivation to research and development (R&D), processing, and product distribution, AIG is aiming to build a national brand for Vietnamese agricultural products, distinctive and globally competitive.

As part of its long-term development strategy, AIG continues to invest in state-of-the-art processing facilities that meet international standards that cover ISO, HACCP, FSSC, Halal, and more. As a result, AIG’s agricultural products meet the stringent requirements of demanding markets like the EU, US, Japan, and South Korea.

Beyond manufacturing, AIG has established an R&D centre with a team of senior experts to constantly innovate and develop products aligned with market trends.

The company also promotes the development of clean raw material zones through sustainable partnerships with local farmers, ensuring stable input and improved incomes for rural communities.

GC Food’s vast aloe vera farming areas contribute to expanding AIG’s efficient business cooperation model within the agri-export value chain across Vietnam.

In parallel, AIG places strong emphasis on international trade promotion. The group regularly participates in major global food exhibitions such as Anuga in Germany, Foodex Japan, Thaifex Anuga Asia in Thailand, SIAL Shanghai, and Seoul Food, helping to enhance brand awareness and expand global partnerships.

Today, AIG’s processed agricultural products are present in over 50 countries and territories, helping Vietnamese agri-products reach further and grow stronger on the international stage.