Boxing liniment oil-maker sees great scope in China and the US
By Sucheera Pinijparakarn
The Nation
Published on August 10, 2009
Devakam Apothecary Hall, the producer and distributor of Namman Muay boxing liniment oil, plans to export its products to the US and China next year.
The company wants exports to account for 30 per cent of total sales within three years, up from 10 per cent at present.
Devakam started exporting Namman Muay oil three years ago, mainly to Europe, executive director Tipvarin Intratat said on Friday.
The brand is well-known among foreigners who have visited Thailand and Thai-boxing gyms overseas, she said.
"We've opted to go to China and the US because they are major markets - especially China. Many Chinese tourists come to Thailand and purchase our products in large quantities," she said.
The company is negotiating with a major Chinese distribution firm. In the US, the oil will be sold at martial-arts centres and drug stores.
Devakam also plans to export its Namman Muay analgesic cream soon.
"We hope our lower price will convince customers who are familiar with foreign-brand analgesic creams to switch to a Thai product," Tipvarin said.
Devakam targets sales revenue growth this year of 10 percent over last year's Bt120 million.
The local market for products to treat pain and muscular aches is worth Bt800 million. Devakam expects market growth of 10 per cent this year.