Japfa Ltd secures USD 150 million sustainability-linked loan from DBS and Rabobank; affirms its commitment to environmental and social goals

Singapore, 10 Jun 2025 - Japfa Ltd (“Japfa” or, together with its subsidiaries, the “Group”), a leading industrialised agri-food company, has successfully closed a USD 150 million sustainability-linked loan (SLL) facilitated by DBS Bank and Rabobank as joint sustainability coordinators. This milestone highlights Japfa's steadfast commitment to sustainable business practices and further cements the Group’s track-record in sustainability financing transactions. This marks the first time Japfa has included social key performance indicators (KPIs) in a sustainable finance instrument, reflecting its holistic approach to sustainability.



This SLL is tied to KPIs aligned with Japfa's sustainability strategy, addressing key material topics such as:

• Water recycling – Water recycling, aimed at reducing freshwater use and wastewater discharge, is a cornerstone of Japfa's sustainability strategy, supporting circular resource management and environmental stewardship.

• Zero coal - Japfa is committed to phasing out the use of coal, prioritising cleaner energy solutions to reduce carbon emissions, enhance operational sustainability, and combat climate change

• Improving access to nutrition- Through “Japfa For Kids”, the Group’s flagship CSR programme, Japfa is committed to addressing malnutrition and stunting among children. By providing education on balance diets in collaboration with local governments, health institutions, and schools, Japfa aims to create a multiplier effect fostering lasting positive change in communities. Additionally, by providing access to affordable and nutritious proteins, Japfa directly addresses the immediate needs of malnourished children, helping to improve their nutritional status.

As a leading animal protein producer in the emerging Asia region, Japfa is committed to enabling food security in the region while advancing sustainability across the value chain. By championing responsible production and consumption, Japfa strives to minimise the environmental impact, promote the efficient and ethical use of resources and reduce food waste – critical steps towards the creation of a healthier, more resilient, and environmentally conscious global community.

Tan Yong Nang, CEO of Japfa Ltd, said: “This SLL marks another pivotal step in Japfa’s journey to align business growth with our ambitious ESG goals. The KPIs tied to this loan reaffirm our determination to address some of the most pressing global challenges, from enhancing resource efficiency to improving nutrition and transitioning to cleaner energy sources. At Japfa, we believe that sustainable practices are not just integral to our business, but essential to shaping a future where growth and responsibility go hand in hand.”

The loan demonstrates the growing importance of sustainability-linked financing in driving positive environmental and social change within the agriculture sector, and Japfa’s partners in this deal - DBS and Rabobank - are both committed to keep collaborating with them on their sustainability transition journey.

Adrian Chai, Group Head of Global Industries, Institutional Banking, DBS, said: “Nourishing present and future generations is an essential part of a sustainable future and is both a business and social imperative. DBS is pleased to be partnering Japfa, a leading protein provider in the region, to support its journey towards providing affordable nutrition to Asia’s emerging markets in an environmentally responsible way. Leveraging on our deep industry expertise and sustainability advisory capabilities the sustainability linked loan demonstrates our commitment to enable Japfa further its sustainability agenda and drive greater impact to markets and communities across the region.”

Gregory Vandeler, General Manager Southeast Asia, Rabobank, commented: "Rabobank is proud to jointly facilitate this SLL for Japfa, one of our longstanding clients, and we are honoured to further supporting Japfa in achieving their sustainability ambitions. Japfa’s commitment to food security and sustainability across the agri-food value chain aligns with our mission of growing a better world together. As a leading Food & Agri and Trade & Commodity Finance bank and with our bespoke financial solutions, we are dedicated to working closely with our clients to drive positive change for a better environment, improve access to nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture.”

About DBS
DBS is a leading financial services group in Asia with a presence in 19 markets. Headquartered and listed in Singapore, DBS is in the three key Asian axes of growth: Greater China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The bank's "AA-" and "Aa1" credit ratings are among the highest in the world.

Recognised for its global leadership, DBS has been named “World’s Best Bank” by Global Finance, “World’s Best Bank” by Euromoney and “Global Bank of the Year” by The Banker. The bank is at the forefront of leveraging digital technology to shape the future of banking, having been named “World’s Best Digital Bank” by Euromoney and the world’s “Most Innovative in Digital Banking” by The Banker. In addition, DBS has been accorded the “Safest Bank in Asia“ award by Global Finance for 16 consecutive years from 2009 to 2024.

DBS provides a full range of services in consumer, SME and corporate banking. As a bank born and bred in Asia, DBS understands the intricacies of doing business in the region’s most dynamic markets.

DBS is committed to building lasting relationships with customers, as it banks the Asian way. Through the DBS Foundation, the bank creates impact beyond banking by supporting businesses for impact: enterprises with a double bottom-line of profit and social and/or environmental impact. DBS Foundation also gives back to society in various ways, including equipping underserved communities with future-ready skills and helping them to build food resilience.

With its extensive network of operations in Asia and emphasis on engaging and empowering its staff, DBS presents exciting career opportunities. For more information, please visit www.dbs.com.

About Japfa
Headquartered in Singapore, Japfa Ltd is a leading vertically integrated, industrialised agri-food company in Asia. Established in 1971, the Group has grown into one of Asia’s leading low-cost producers of protein staples including poultry, swine and aquaculture as well as protein-based consumer products across fast-growing emerging Asian economies such as Indonesia, Vietnam, India, Myanmar and Bangladesh. Japfa embraces an integrated industrial approach to livestock and food production across the value chain. Its operations span from Feed & Breeding (upstream), Fattening (midstream) and Processing and Distribution (downstream).
 
For further information, please visit www.japfa.com