TOKYO -- Ajinomoto is to spend 2.5 billion yen ($23.3 million) to increase its seasoning production capacity by 80% in Indonesia.

Demand for quick-seasoning products is growing among Indonesian consumers. Economic growth in the Southeast Asian country, home to 250 million people, has brought a large number of women into the workplace. Now when Indonesians get home, many want to get dinner ready with a minimum of effort.

The Japanese food-maker plans to add the capacity at its Karawang Factory in West Java by December 2017 so it can increase the production of its Sajiku seasoning mix.

The upgrade is expected to help the company's food business reach its sales goal of 500 billion yen by 2020 in five key markets: Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand and Brazil.

Ajinomoto began selling the Sajiku series in 1999. It is a mix of flour and seasonings suitable for preparing fried chicken, nasi goreng fried rice and other dishes. The coating mix for fried foods has gained a 40% share of Indonesia's market.

The company expects demand to further expand. Aggregate production capacity for Sajiku, including the new facility and other locations, is to increase by 80%.

Ajinomoto entered Indonesia in 1969. Its Masako meat-flavored seasonings for stir-fried dishes and Saori seasoning sauce are popular there.

Earlier this year, the company announced it would build a new factory on its Karawang site to boost production of Masako by 30%. That factory is expected to begin operating by next July.

(Nikkei)