The news often centers on the climbing demand for plant-based proteins and investments in support of meeting such demand. However, the animal protein space is still dynamic, particularly in developing markets.
In a very short period of time, Cargill has made multiple announcements underscoring that company’s efforts and investments in expanding its animal protein business.
The Philippines
On November 28 the company announced its intentions to invest US$235 million to grow its animal protein business in the Philippines over the coming two years in order to help meet growing demand for chicken and pork. Cargill also will dedicate US$130,000 in support of the Inclusive Business Capacity Building Fund to help boost the success of farmers in the country.
This year marks Cargill’s 70th year in the Philippines, having opened its first office there in 1948 (which also was the company’s first office in the entire Asia Pacific region).
“We are proud to have been in the Philippines since we started our business here 70 years ago,” said Dave MacLennan, chairman and CEO of Cargill, during his visit to the region at the end of November. “Working closely with the government, our customers, partners and the community, we are helping farmers thrive and are bringing safe and nutritious food to Filipino tables. We are grateful for our partnership with the Philippines government as they welcome investments that enable Cargill to grow alongside the Filipino people and the local economy.”
This investment will be used to drive the expansion of Cargill’s animal feed and nutrition, and agricultural supply chain businesses. It also will be used to fund growth for C-Joy, Cargill’s joint venture in the country with Jollibee Foods Corporation to process chicken for domestic consumption.
Colombia
Cargill has acquired CAMPOLLO, one of the largest producers of chicken and protein products in Colombia, for an undisclosed amount. This is the second such acquisition in Colombia for Cargill within a year, after acquiring Pollos Bucanero, another of Colombia’s largest chicken and meat producers and processors in June 2017.
The addition of CAMPOLLO will strengthen Cargill’s protein business in Latin America, which includes operations in not only Colombia, but also Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Jorge Ivan Duque, general manager of Pollos Bucanero, who has 13 years experience working in the poultry sector in both Colombia and across Central America, will continue to lead Cargill’s expanding poultry business in Colombia.
“We are committed to this region and I’m thrilled to expand our operations in Colombia,” said Xavier Vargas, president of Cargill Protein Latin America. “Our markets and communities will benefit as we bring our teams together. Cargill will bring its experience working in protein across four continents for more than 50 years to deliver customers and consumers consistent, high-quality products tailored to local flavors.”
The U.S.
Cargill has invested $70 million to establish a new headquarters in Wichita, Kansas, for its North American protein operations.
Designed with collaboration and growth in mind, the state-of-the-art location was created as a destination to retain and recruit top talent, and to immerse customers in innovative food and culinary experiences.
“We want to help make Wichita the Silicon Valley of protein, bringing together the best minds, innovation and technology in the industry,” said Brian Sikes, president, Cargill Protein.
It also will connect Cargill’s 800 employees in Wichita with the more than three dozen protein production facilities across the U.S. and Canada, and with the company’s additional 28,000 employees across North America.
Uniquely, solutions guiding the design of the 188,000-square foot building were crowd-sourced from Cargill employees, and the company partnered with many local contractors and vendors for the project.
Included in the headquarters are:
~ An immersive technology conference room that enables employees to collaborate globally with colleagues.
~ A presentation kitchen to connect customers and visitors to food solutions and inspired culinary innovation.
~ A sensory center for Cargill and its customers to conduct product research, focus groups, and product testing.
-Lynda Kiernan