8 Food Export Stocks to Watch in 2025: Why Now Is the Right Time

In times of increasing global economic uncertainty, more and more investors are turning to food stocks for safe-haven opportunities. This is not only because people need to eat regardless of economic conditions, but more importantly, because food companies are experiencing structural growth—especially those with international competitiveness in food export stocks.

Why Food Stocks Are Worth Watching

First, it’s important to understand that the food industry is not simply a traditional “defensive” investment. Changes in consumer behavior—ranging from increased health consciousness to sustainable consumption preferences—are driving innovation in business models across the sector.

Specifically, the competitive advantages of food companies include:

• Consistent demand: Consumer demand for food is inelastic, providing a stable cash flow foundation
• Brand moat: Well-known food brands possess strong pricing power and customer loyalty
• Global expansion mechanisms: Food companies can hedge risks associated with single economies through international markets
• Innovation-driven growth: New sectors like plant-based proteins and sugar-reduction products serve as new engines for growth

The 8 Food Stocks to Watch: Thailand and Global Portfolio

Thailand Food Export Stocks

1. Charoen Pokphand Foods (CPF)

• Current Price: 22.0 THB
• P/E Ratio: 11.9x
• Target Price: 30.00 THB
• Dividend Yield: 2.06%

As Southeast Asia’s largest integrated agribusiness, CPF operates across the entire supply chain—from feed production and livestock farming to food processing. Its operational network in 17 countries and exports covering 40 countries make it a true leader in food exports. With rising global protein demand by 2025, CPF’s expansion plans are expected to generate substantial returns for shareholders.

2. Thai Union Group (TU)

• Current Price: 12.40 THB
• P/E Ratio: -4.01x (special case)
• Target Price: 16.90 THB
• Dividend Yield: 4.51%

As a major global supplier of seafood, TU holds significant market share in the US and Europe. Its high dividend yield reflects stable profitability, making it a preferred choice for income-focused investors.

3. Asian Seafoods (ASIAN)

• Current Price: 7.85 THB
• P/E Ratio: 7.8x
• Target Price: 30.00 THB
• Dividend Yield: 9.29%

This is a stock with a notably low valuation, and its impressive 9.29% dividend yield suggests a possible market mispricing. As Thailand’s largest seafood processing and export company, its international sales network continues to expand.

4. Minor International (MINT)

• Current Price: 22.0 THB
• P/E Ratio: 42.7x
• Target Price: 30.00 THB
• Dividend Yield: 2.06%

MINT achieves comprehensive coverage of the food retail sector through diversified brands—from Pizza Hut and Burger King to ice cream. Its high P/E ratio reflects market optimism about its growth prospects.

Global Food Giants Portfolio

5. Nestlé (NESN)

• Current Price: 74.04 CHF
• P/E Ratio: 17.28x
• Target Price: 87.64 CHF
• Dividend Yield: 3.99%

As the world’s largest food manufacturer, Nestlé’s product portfolio spans from infant foods to health drinks. Its strategic presence in emerging markets and health food segments lays a solid foundation for growth over the next decade.

6. The Coca-Cola Company (KO)

• Current Price: 25.37 USD
• P/E Ratio: 4.05x
• Dividend Yield: 3.14%

Hiding behind a very low P/E ratio is a stable cash cow. Coca-Cola’s over 200 brands and presence in 200 countries give it unparalleled business resilience.

7. PepsiCo (PEP)

• Current Price: 142.64 USD
• P/E Ratio: 20.91x
• Target Price: 177.89 USD
• Dividend Yield: 3.70%

Pepsi’s core strength lies in its perfect combination of food and beverages—chips, energy drinks, and snacks meet consumer needs across the board. Its investments in plant-based foods set the stage for growth through 2025.

8. Unilever (UL)

• Current Price: 55.13 USD
• P/E Ratio: 21.56x
• Dividend Yield: 3.29%

Unilever’s balanced portfolio across food, personal care, and home cleaning provides natural risk hedging. Its long-term commitment to sustainable foods is transforming into a competitive advantage.

The Core Advantages of Investing in These Stocks

Balance of Stability and Growth Unlike tech stocks with high volatility, food stocks offer relatively stable price movements while achieving performance growth driven by consumer upgrades.

High Dividend Yields Most food companies are dividend payers. Even if stock prices stagnate, stable cash distributions can provide an annualized return of 3-4%.

Inflation Hedge When food costs rise, major brands often pass costs onto consumers, maintaining profit margins. This makes food stocks effective tools against inflation.

Global Growth Story Whether it’s consumer upgrading in emerging markets or demand for healthy foods in developed countries, food companies are at the intersection of these two major growth trends.

Risks to Watch Out For

Macroeconomic Sensitivity Although food demand is relatively stable, consumers may switch to cheaper substitutes during recessions, which can suppress industry profit margins.

Intense Competition Any successful food product quickly attracts competitors, shortening product life cycles.

Raw Material Price Fluctuations Rising costs of agricultural products and energy directly impact gross margins, especially for companies with limited pricing power.

Rapid Changes in Consumer Preferences In the social media era, food trends can change overnight. Companies unable to keep pace with innovation risk losing market share.

How to Choose the Right Food Stocks

Investors with different goals should adopt different selection criteria:

For Income Seekers Prioritize high-dividend stocks like TU and ASIAN. While growth may be limited, stable dividends can generate substantial compound returns over the long term.

For Growth Seekers Focus on CPF, NESN, and PEP. These companies’ international expansion and new product development suggest potential for accelerated revenue growth.

Portfolio Allocation Strategies Consider combining Thai food export stocks with global leaders. This approach allows participation in Thailand’s agricultural export growth while hedging against risks in a single market.

Investment Logic for Food Stocks in 2025

By 2025, several key factors are reshaping the food industry landscape:

• Structural growth in global protein demand—whether traditional meat or plant-based proteins—faces capacity constraints on the supply side, supporting stable prices and industry profitability.
• Rising consumer demand for “transparent foods”—products with clear supply chains and ingredient sourcing—will command premium prices. Many Thai food export stocks have natural advantages in this regard.
• Expanding middle class in emerging markets—Southeast Asia and India—grows at double-digit rates annually, with exploding demand for high-end foods.
• Increased government regulation on food safety and nutrition—raising industry entry barriers and protecting leading companies’ competitive positions.

Practical Recommendations

Investors with different risk tolerances can consider the following allocations:

Conservative Investors (50% cash + 50% food stocks) Choose stocks like CPF and KO that combine stability and growth, complemented by high-dividend ETFs.

Balanced Investors (80% cash + 20% food stocks) Build a diversified portfolio including Thai export stocks and global giants, with periodic rebalancing.

Aggressive Investors (using CFD tools) Leverage via Contracts for Difference (CFD). This offers more flexible trading and dual-direction profit opportunities but involves higher risk—operate cautiously.

Summary

The food industry is undergoing a profound transformation driven by consumer upgrades, globalization, and technological innovation. Whether it’s Thailand’s agricultural export leaders or global food giants, they are all riding this wave of change.

For 2025, investing in food stocks is not just about buy-and-hold; it requires selecting companies with competitive advantages, cost resilience, and active engagement with evolving consumer trends.

The key takeaway is that food export stocks are not only defensive tools but also powerful means to participate in the global growth story. Proper allocation and regular assessment are essential to achieving sustainable investment returns amid market uncertainties.