July 22, 2015

In 2012 farmed fish production surpassed global beef production for the first time in history. Global beef production reached 63 million tons, but output from global aquaculture reached 66 million tons – and this year, farmed fish consumption is on pace to surpass consumption of wild-caught fish.

Driven by this shift in the global food production, Cargill announced it has formed a joint venture with Naturisa, Ecuador’s second largest shrimp producer and fourth largest exporter, to build a $30 million shrimp feed facility near Guayaquil, Ecuador. The new mill will have the capacity to produce 130,000 tons of feed per year and is scheduled to be fully operational in 2017.

Through its Americus Marketing Group, Cargill has imported agricultural commodities into Ecuador for years, but this investment gives the company the opportunity to not only expand in aquaculture in the country, but possibly expand into future investments in other commodities in Ecuador’s market.

“This joint venture with Naturisa positions us to become one of the largest producers of shrimp feed in Latin America,” said Sarena Lin, president of Cargill’s animal feed and nutrition business. “It creates new opportunities for both organizations’ customers and stakeholders.”

The state-of-the-art facility will produce shrimp feed for the aquaculture industry using the latest safety and product quality technologies, and will help Cargill advance toward reaching its animal nutrition business’ growth objectives.  The feed produced on site will be marketed under the Purina brand throughout Latin America.

“Naturisa and Cargill share a commitment to high-quality products and services,  sustainable, responsible business practices, and both  organizations have strong visions for future growth and aspire to be leaders in the aquaculture industry, which makes this partnership an ideal fit,” added Ricardo Sola, general manager of Naturisa.

Cargill will own 75% of the joint venture and will control the day-to-day operations of the facility, while Naturisa will own the remaining 25% of the venture.

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