Pocky – The Iconic Biscuit Stick Maker Loved Across Generations | Know the Manufacturer Ep.36
- ThaiSnackOnline
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
When people think of fun, flavorful biscuit sticks, one name comes to mind almost instantly — Glico. From the world-famous Pocky to the savory crunch of Pretz, Glico has become a beloved household name across Thailand. Today, we’re diving deep into the story of Thai Glico Co., Ltd., the Thai branch of Japan’s legendary snack maker Ezaki Glico, to uncover the heritage, innovations, and manufacturing excellence behind these iconic snacks.
From Osaka to Thailand – A Century of Snack Heritage
Glico’s history begins in Osaka, Japan, where Ezaki Glico launched its very first product — Glico Caramel — in 1922. This small caramel candy carried big purpose: founder Riichi Ezaki wanted to create food that delivered both joy and nourishment. His philosophy came from studying glycogen extracted from oysters, which inspired the company’s now-famous name, “Glico.”
Over the next several decades, Glico expanded from confectionery to biscuits, chocolates, dairy, ice cream, and healthcare foods. But what truly propelled Glico onto the world stage was the invention of the Pocky stick in 1966 — a simple, innovative biscuit stick partially coated in chocolate to avoid messy fingers.
By the 1970s and 1980s, Glico began expanding internationally, seeing Southeast Asia as a major growth region. Thailand quickly became one of its most important overseas manufacturing
Located in Bang Kadi Industrial Park, Pathum Thani
This factory is responsible for producing a wide range of Thailand-market and export-market snacks, including:
Pocky (Chocolate, Strawberry, Mango, Cookies & Cream, Matcha)
Pejoy (creamy-filled biscuit sticks)
Pretz (savory bread sticks such as Tom Yum, Larb, Pizza, Thai Hot Chili)
Thailand-specific limited runs and seasonal flavors
Thailand is considered one of Glico’s “priority markets” in Asia due to:
High snack consumption culture
Demand for both Japanese and Thai-style flavors
Strong regional logistics network
Taste adaptability for Southeast Asian consumers
A Commitment to Safety, Quality & Trust
Glico is globally known for its exacting standards — a core part of why Thai consumers trust this brand. Thai Glico’s manufacturing follows strict guidelines based on:
Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)
Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) food safety standards
Corporate philosophy: “A Wholesome Life in the Best of Taste”
Every batch of Pocky, Pejoy, and Pretz must pass through rigorous:
Raw Ingredient Inspection – flour, milk derivatives, chocolate, and flavors are checked for purity and safety.
Mixing & Forming – dough is kneaded, shaped into thin sticks, baked, and cooled.
Coating & Filling – signature Glico chocolate or cream is applied with precise machinery to create a clean, even finish.
Quality Control – automated and manual checks ensure each stick is uniform, crisp, and safe.
Packaging in a hygienic closed system to preserve freshness and prevent contamination.
These strict standards ensure that every snack coming out of Glico Thailand meets both Japanese quality expectations and international food safety regulations.
Strategic Decision: Discontinuation of Ice Cream in Thailand (2025)
In 2025, Thai Glico announced that it would discontinue its ice-cream production and sales in Thailand by the end of 2025. Brands such as Glico Ice Cream and Seventeen Ice will gradually be phased out.
According to Thai Glico’s public statement and coverage by The Nation Thailand, the company is restructuring its Thailand portfolio to focus on:
Biscuit sticks (Pocky, Pejoy, Pretz)
Confectionery
Future snack categories
Strengthening operational efficiency
(Source: The Nation Thailand – Corporate News, July 2025 Glico Global Press Statement)
This decision reflects the company’s long-term commitment to building a stronger and more sustainable snack portfolio in Thailand.
Glico’s Lasting Impact on Thailand’s Snack Culture
Glico’s presence in Thailand has shaped the snack landscape in a remarkable way. Their products are:
Loved across all ages
Kids, teens, adults — Pocky is an iconic snack that people grow up with.
Deeply connected to pop culture
From school lunchboxes to office desk snacks, Glico is a staple in Thai daily life.
Popular with tourists
Thai-made flavors like Mango Pocky have become sought-after souvenirs. Discover Glico at ThaiSnackOnline.com
Credit reference: https://www.glico.com/global
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