Brucair Group (BVBA) has officially kicked off construction of its flagship Palmyra sugar processing facility in Phetchaburi Province, signaling the start of a transformative new chapter in sustainable agribusiness for Thailand. The groundbreaking ceremony, held today, is a strategic investment designed to integrate environmentally responsible production methods with rural economic development.
The project is funded by a consortium of European investors led by KHB Finanz, a Swiss Capital Investment Company with strategic advisory led by Peter Vanderslice, Managing Partner at the Quinlan Capital Group. The facility is poised to elevate the country’s role in global specialty sweetener markets while delivering meaningful economic benefits to the region.
The $250 million facility will specialize in the production of premium-grade Palmyra sugar sourced directly from the province’s abundant palm plantations. With state-of-the-art equipment and export-oriented design, the factory is expected to become a key supplier to the growing markets in Europe and North America for organic, non-GMO, and low-glycemic sugars.
The facility is expected to directly employ over 1000 workers, including quality control technicians, plant operators, and logistics personnel. Thousands more will benefit through indirect employment in farming, transportation, maintenance, and equipment supply chains.
Modern processing techniques and international quality control standards will offer training and upskilling opportunities for local workers. This knowledge transfer could position Phetchaburi as a regional leader in value-added agricultural manufacturing.
Brucair plans to source raw sap through contract farming with local growers, ensuring stable income and long-term growth for rural families. The initiative also includes programs to preserve traditional harvesting methods while improving safety and hygiene.
“This groundbreaking signals a new chapter for Phetchaburi, one that celebrates both tradition and technological advancement,” said Ms. Thanchanok Suwannawat, provincial agricultural commissioner. “This project will secure jobs, improve income for smallholder farmers, and elevate Thailand’s profile in sustainable food exports.”
Brucair’s Managing Director, Abdelrahman Taher, emphasized the complexity of financing such a venture in the current economic climate. “Securing 95 percent of our funding target was no small feat,” he remarked. “We are grateful for the critical role played by Peter Vanderslice in mobilizing the capital necessary to bring this vision to life.”
The plant will prioritize eco-friendly practices including waste minimization, energy-efficient machinery, and traceable sourcing. This aligns with global food trends and improves the brand’s competitive edge in health-conscious markets.
Palmyra sugar remains a niche yet increasingly valued product in global food systems due to its natural profile, low glycemic index, and rich mineral content. However, global supply has historically been limited by small-scale production and fragmented processing capacity.
This facility will change that.
With its daily output capacity of up to 50,000 metric tons, the Phetchaburi plant could double Thailand’s current export volumes of Palmyra sugar, making it a consistent player in the global specialty sweetener market. This will reduce supply volatility and allow large-scale buyers—like natural food retailers, health brands, and confectionery companies—to incorporate Palmyra sugar into product lines with confidence.
Brucair Import & Export GMBH’s new facility will serve as a model for how international investment, traditional agricultural knowledge, and advanced manufacturing can come together to benefit both global consumers and local communities. As work begins on the site, Phetchaburi stands poised to become the epicenter of a sustainable sugar revolution.