India's Avanti Feeds to take 10% stake in Ecuador aquaculture feed company

Indian shrimp feed specialist Avanti Feeds has approved an investment in Thai Union Feedmill Ecuador S.A.S., a new company that will operate in Ecuador’s shrimp aquaculture sector focusing on feed manufacturing and distribution.

According to a stock exchange notice issued at the beginning of this month, Avanti Feeds will invest USD 3 million in cash in the Thai Union venture, securing 3 million shares, equal to a 10% stake in the business.

The new company forms part of Thai Union Feedmill’s broader expansion plan in Ecuador. As previously reported by WeAreAquaculture, Thai Union Feedmill is moving ahead with a USD 55 million project in Ecuador including a new plant.

According to that earlier announcement, the new plant is expected to increase the Group’s production capacity by about 80%, while supporting the growth of Ecuador’s aquaculture industry and expanding the company’s international operations beyond Thailand.

Construction and machinery installation are projected to take around two and a half years, with commercial operations expected to begin in 2028, according to the group.

Founded in 1993, Avanti Feeds is one of India's leading aquaculture companies, accounting for around half of the country's shrimp feed market share, according to the industry figures. The newly-announced investment builds on a well-established existing cooperation between Thai Union and Avanti Feeds as joint venture partners, and sees the Hyderabad-headquartered firm take its first step into the Ecuadorian shrimp sector.