Proterra Investment Partners Asia has made its largest investment to date through its Proterra Asia Food Fund 3 (PAFF3), in Lanna Agro Industry (LACO), Thailand’s leading producer and exporter of frozen edamame.
LACO, founded over 30 years ago, has partnerships with customers, in Japan and the US.
Following the investment, Proterra has appointed Khun Apirak Kosayodhin as chief executive officer and Rojcharek Ruechai as chief financial officer to oversee LACO’s strategy and operations. The appointments are part of a planned transition to allow the founding family to step back from day-to-day management.
The new leadership team will focus on a growth strategy that includes expanding into new international markets and strengthening the company’s position in Japan.
Tai Lin, managing partner at Proterra Asia, said: “This investment reflects our strategy of backing trusted operators across Asia’s food value chain who are positioned for long-term growth. We’re looking forward to working with the new leadership team and the founding family to grow LACO’s international presence and deepen its positive impact across the supply chain.”
Lin said Proterra would support Lanna Agro’s expansion into Europe and North America—markets experiencing growing demand for healthy snacks and plant-based foods.
To read the latest IPE Real Assets magazine click here.
