LDC to build new sunflower and soy processing plant    

Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC) has announced a strategic investment in the construction of a new plant to process sunflower seeds and soybeans at the site of its existing facility in Bahía Blanca, Argentina.

This investment will expand LDC’s industrial network in the country, reinforcing oilseed processing capabilities in one of Argentina’s most prominent sunflower production regions, to address growing global demand for vegetable oils across food and biofuels applications. “This investment reflects Argentina’s role as a strategic market for LDC, combining a strong agricultural production base with industrial, logistics and export capabilities to connect local production with global markets,” said Michael Gelchie, LDC’s Group CEO.

“Representing one of the company’s largest investments in Argentina over the past decade, and its first greenfield development in that time, the expansion of our capabilities in Bahía Blanca reflects our long-term commitment to supporting the country’s agro-industrial development, including through investments that strengthen export competitiveness in Argentina and the region.”

Upon completion, the new facility is expected to reach a daily crushing capacity up to 4,000 tons of sunflower seeds or soybeans, contributing to year-round operational optimisation, greater flexibility to process multiple crops and increased connectivity with international markets for regional growers. Construction is expected to begin by the year-end.

“With this new development in Argentina, expanding our oilseeds processing capacity, we underline our long-term commitment to a region that is crucial to the growth of our global sunflower business,” said Juan José Blanchard, LDC’s Group COO and head of Latin America.

“Expected to be one of the largest sunflower crushing plants globally, it reflects LDC’s commitment to continued investment in efficient, integrated and reliable industrial capabilities, strengthening our role as a trusted partner to both growers and downstream customers.”