PM Srettha cooks up plan to boost food quality with Barilla partnership

In a high-stakes meeting that could reshape Thailand’s food industry, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin sat down with top executives from Barilla G.e.R. Fratelli S.p.A., the world’s leading pasta producer. With ambitions running high, the discussions centred on enhancing food production quality and expanding pasta distribution networks throughout Thailand.

Among the Italian delegation were Federico Vescovi, Barilla’s Partnership Development President, and Andrea Sorbello, the Government Relations Manager. They joined Srettha to forge stronger ties between Barilla and Thai companies.

Barilla, renowned for its extensive global footprint with 30 production plants and 10 mills scattered across Italy, the United States, and other countries, also operates a pivotal sales office in Singapore. This office is instrumental in serving the ASEAN region, Japan, South Korea, and China.

The discussions focused on potential collaborations, particularly in the realm of ready-to-eat meals and the expansion of pasta distribution channels in Thailand. The 62 year old Thai prime minister underscored the advantages of introducing Barilla’s high-quality production methods to Thai food producers.

“Such a partnership would not only elevate product standards for Thai consumers but also enhance the overall quality and availability of food products in the region.”

Responding to PM Srettha’s visionary remarks, the Italian pasta giant acknowledged Thailand’s strategic importance as a potential hub for future production and export operations, reported Pattaya Mail.

Barilla’s executives emphasised the country’s central role in their global strategy, hinting at promising prospects for enhanced economic cooperation.

In related news, PM Srettha met with Intesa Sanpaolo, a leading international financial institution in Milan to discuss funding for Thailand’s Land Bridge project. The bank is aware of the Thai government’s plans to expand Suvarnabhumi, Phuket, and Chiang Mai airports and showed keen interest, hinting at future detailed discussions.

In other news, the Bangkok-born Srettha remains resolute amid an ethics complaint that could see him suspended. While on an official visit to Italy on Sunday, PM Srettha addressed the brewing controversy.