Thai Union saw diminished sales and curbed profits in 2025 as it battled global economic headwinds, according to its president and CEO.
The seafood giant’s adjusted operating profit fell by 11% year on year to THB6.9bn (£166.3m), while sales declined by 4.1% to THB132.7bn (£3.2bn).
The John West owner also saw its EBITDA drop 8.6% to THB12.2bn (£290.3m), with adjusted net profit also dipping 3.1% to THB5.5bn (£130.9m).
The company particularly struggled in the last quarter of the year, where its operating profit contracted by 12.7% year on year to THB1.65bn (£39.2m).
Thiraphong Chansiri, president and CEO of Thai Union Group, acknowledged 2025 had been “a year of exceptional external headwinds, from tariffs to currency pressures”, but he noted the business had been “resilient and achieved record gross profit margins, earnings per share growth, and constant progress on sales volumes”.
“Importantly, the transformation we have already put in place allowed us to act as one global organisation – moving faster, managing costs with discipline, and protecting margins even as cost pressures intensified,” Chansiri said. “This execution under challenging conditions reinforces our confidence in the strength of our platform and our ability to perform consistently.”
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Despite the drop in sales values, volumes increased 2.5% to 908.4 tonnes, driven by the business’ ambient, frozen and petcare categories.
The Bangkok-based multinational also delivered a record gross profit margin of 18.9%, pushed by stronger frozen margins supported by higher prices linked to US tariffs.
Thirapong further stressed Thai Union had improved on its ESG commitments, pointing to increases in its FTSE Russell ESG Score and Carbon Disclosure Project rating.
Looking ahead to 2026, Thai Union aimed to achieve sales growth of 3%-4% through continued margin expansion, operational discipline, and a focus on high‑growth categories, it said.
It noted in a press statement, however, “these targets may need to be updated due to the dynamic trade environment, which Thai Union will continue to monitor closely”.
“Thai Union is entering 2026 from a position of greater strength and readiness,” Chansiri added. “Our focus on innovation and sustainability continues to differentiate our portfolio, particularly in premium segments, where customers value quality, responsibility and long-term partnerships.
“We believe we have built the right foundations to deliver sustainable growth in a today’s trade environment.”
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