Ms. Sureeyot Khowsurat, Managing Director of Ubon Bio Ethanol Public Company Limited (UBE), the largest well-integrated tapioca player in the northeast region of Thailand using cassava roots as raw materials, outlined the company's growth strategy for this year. The focus is on achieving a 15% revenue increase driven by sales growth in high-value products within the organic tapioca starch and cassava flour categories, with an expected 50% increase in sales volume.

The introduction of Tasuko-branded cassava flour products, catering to health-conscious and gluten-sensitive consumers for use in cooking and baking, has been well-received. Anticipating further market expansion, new related products are slated for release this year, including dessert and bakery flour varieties available nationwide. Continuous marketing efforts are underway to bolster sales and meet targets. Recent product launches have included flour for desserts such as cupcakes, crepes, and banana cakes.

Over the next three years (2022-2024), UBE anticipates revenue growth exceeding 10 billion baht, marking a 100% increase. The company has earmarked a 2022-2023 investment budget of approximately 1.55 billion baht, with 550 million baht allocated to expanding production capacity and enhancing cassava starch quality for increased efficiency. Ethanol production capacity will also see improvements through efficiency enhancements and addressing production bottlenecks.

"We expect this year's revenue to align with our targets as we continue to introduce new products throughout the year," Ms. Sureeyot commented. "There is strong demand for cassava starch domestically and internationally, particularly from China, bolstered by favorable export conditions due to the weakened baht. Ethanol sales are also expected to rise, driven by increased demand for fuel-grade ethanol as COVID-19 restrictions ease. These factors contribute to our continued growth and robust operational performance."

In 2022, UBE plans to focus on increasing the contribution of tapioca starch and cassava flour production and distribution to its overall profitability, aiming to raise its share from 19% in 2021 to 30% in 2022, with further increases planned in subsequent years to establish it as the company's primary business segment for the future.