Nestlé has announced building a  Purina  feed mill in Thailand worth THB950 million (US$27.88 million), set to produce dry petfood for the local market and export to countries including South Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong.

CEO Paul Bulcke confirmed the project during a recent visit to Thailand.

The plant will be officially opened for production in 2010.

The news follows reports that petfood exports from Thailand show steady growth so far this year and are expected to expand at least 10% for the whole year despite global economic difficulties.

Data from the Commerce Ministry showed that exports in the first four months grew 14% to reach THB8.24 billion (US$241.3 million). Japan, USA, Italy, Cambodia and Malaysia are the respective top importers.