CP Group Clarifies Misinformation Regarding New Basil Plant Protection Claims

Key summary

The Charoen Pokphand (CP) Group issued a statement on October 24, 2026, to address false allegations that the group and its senior chairman, Mr. Thanin Jirawongnothai, sought protection for new basil varieties nationwide, thereby preventing farmers from growing or trading the plants without permission. The CP Group clarified that the initiative to research, develop, and apply for plant variety protection for four new basil strains was conducted solely by CPRAM Co., Ltd., a listed subsidiary of CP ALL Public Company Limited. As a shareholder, the CP Group does not have the authority to direct daily business operations or hold rights to plant varieties developed by CP ALL or its subsidiaries. The group emphasized that developing new plant varieties aims to create additional options for farmers to improve yields and profits without monopolizing the market, noting that over 300 basil varieties already exist. While respecting public scrutiny, the CP Group reserved the right to take legal action against those who intentionally disseminate false information causing damage to its reputation.