Award-winning plantation management company Asia Plantation Capital held its Thailand Annual General Meeting last Saturday, 10 October 2015, at the Intercontinental Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand.
Scaling new heights, Asia Plantation Capital declared revenue of US$64.7 million for the 2014 financial year, while surpassing the figure of US$8.1 million in repayments to clients since inception, and forecasted to pass US$10 million by the end of 2015. Updates were also given on the exponential growth and acquisition of plantations in the region, with emphasis on the opening of Southeast Asia's largest agarwood processing factory in Malaysia. The factory - occupying 44,000 ft? and boasting an impressive collection of 20 distillery stills - is integral to Asia Plantation Capital's expansion plans to increase market share in the years ahead.
Opening the Annual General Meeting, Mr Barry Rawlinson, Asia Plantation Capital Group Chief Executive Officer, addressed the crowd of 300 Thailand-based plantation owners and stakeholders, and spoke of the company's unceasing dedication and relentless approach to 'holistic' sustainability - which encompasses equal care and encouragement given to all members of staff, from top management all the way through to plantation workers.
Some of the other highlights included the introduction of new branches of the group focusing on sustainable essential oils, real estate, organics and bamboo. This is a major part of the company's continuous commitment to research and development across all of its core plantation sectors.
Mr Roger Hargreaves, Chairman of Asia Plantation Capital Thailand, further updated the audience on Asia Plantation Capital's associate company, Eco Tech Asia's latest developments, which focus on green energy, solar power, and a range of environmentally friendly goods, such as bamboo bikes ('APC Boo Bikes'), luggage, teak and bamboo flooring, as well as high-powered solar cell products.
Reiterating Asia Plantation Capital's approach to holistic sustainability, Mrs Jinda Tonkhambai, General Manager and Forestry Director, Thailand, outlined the practical aspects of the work and care undertaken in all of Asia Plantation Capital's staff working across 126 plantations in Thailand and Sri Lanka. Apart from commercial activities, Asia Plantation Capital strongly supports and works closely with the local communities in and around which it operates, by providing social and cultural support, as well as investment. An example of this was when Asia Plantation Capital gifted bicycles to the children of a village in Thailand as part of the Children's Day celebrations.
Associate professor, Dr Pakamas Chetpattanondh, from the Prince of Songkla University, also presented the audience with groundbreaking scientific and technical data, on behalf of the research department. Asia Plantation Capital's Scientific Advisory Board is currently working in collaboration with Dr Dai Haofu, Deputy Director at the Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology in China, on the medicinal and healing benefits of Oud oil. As of last year, primary research efforts have been focused on methods of inoculation for agarwood, along with process efficiency and distillation excellence, all of which are designed to expand and hone the methods of stimulating resin development on Asia Plantation Capital's plantations.
Brand Director of Fragrance Du Bois, Nicola Parker, brought the audiences up to date on the brand's growth and expansion over the past year - with significant emphasis placed on the partnership with Asia Plantation Capital, and its ongoing commitment to using 100% pure Oud oil, supplied by the plantation company. The brand has also opened its doors in Southeast Asia to stock and promote some of the world's most exclusive fragrances.
Having recently celebrated the first anniversary of its flagship boutiques in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, along with the launch of its newly crafted scent, London Oud, the biggest news came with the announcement that the niche, luxury brand will be opening its next concept boutique in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This will accompany a number of 'concessions' and 'pop ups' in department stores in major cities around the world.
A 'pop up' display, replicating Fragrance Du Bois' flagship boutiques in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, was also available for attendees to experience an educational and sensory treat.
"2014 has been yet another exciting year," said the Asia Plantation Capital Group's CEO, Barry Rawlinson, "and not just in the region, but globally as well. Apart from the expansion and tremendous growth in the forestry sector, our efforts have also been recognised by industry experts, and we were honoured to have received two awards for sustainable forestry."
Rawlinson concluded, "On behalf of the company, I would like to thank all our stakeholders, shareholders and every member of staff for their contribution and support. We are continually moving onwards and upwards, and will always remember our core values as we strive for excellence in what promises to be another year of growth and achievement."
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