Masan Food Corporation (Masan Food)

Masan Food Corporation is the number one player in sauces and condiments segment of Vietnam packaged food industry. The Company recently ventured into the branded instant noodle segment for the domestic market and held approximately 14% market share by March 2010. Masan’s core products include fish sauce, soy sauce, instant noodles, gravy granules and chili sauce under well-recognized brands such as Chin-Su, Tam Thai Tu, Nam Ngu, Omachi and Tien Vua.

With a portfolio of well-established brands, a wide distribution network covering all 63 provinces and the possession of a modern research & development center in Vietnam which can introduce 50-60 new products every year, Masan has been voted #1 Brand in the sauce and seasoning category four years in a row by Sai Gon Tiep Thi – Vietnam’s most prestigious marketing trade journal.

The Company has a strong management team comprising of professionals from large F&B multinationals with intensive local market intelligence.

Investment thesis

Managed by a group of highly capable, experienced fast-moving-consumer-goods experts, the Company’s proven strength in Sales, Marketing and Branding - coupled with its access to a substantial distribution network - create a strong base to replicate its success in other fast growing sub-segments of the packaged foods sector, thereby generating significant shareholder wealth.

Recent developments

In 2009, the Company reported net profit of app. $36 million, a y-o-y increase of 65%. With the three brands (Chin-Su, Nam Ngu and Tam Thai Tu) Masan Food has been able to win and maintain its dominant market position in both high-end and middle-end sauce segments. The instant noodle line was introduced in 2009 and became an instant success, acquiring 14 % market share in a competitive segment, according to AC Nielsen. The company announced its plan to achieve close to 40 % net profit growth in 2010.

History

Masan Trading Corporation was established as a merger of Viet Tien Industrial – Technology – Trading JSC and Minh Viet Industrial & Import-Export JSC in 2003.

Masan Trading Corporation changed name into Masan Food Corporation in December 2008.

The Vietnam Azalea Fund, Ltd. Invested in Masan Food Corporation in May 2009. 

For more information, please visit Masan’s main website at www.masantrading.com.vn