Cargill strengthens its sunflower processing capability with multimillion dollar investment in France

Cargill strengthens its sunflower processing capability with multimillion dollar investment in France

$150 million upgrade in Saint-Nazaire creates reliable market outlet for local farmers

SAINT-NAZAIRE, France, [29 April, 2026] - Cargill is strengthening its position as one of Western Europe's major sunflower processors with a $150 million upgrade to its current site in Saint-Nazaire. The investment allows the site to shift from today's lower protein meal to high and super-high protein sunflower meal, creating a new regional source of plant-based protein for the animal feed sector and reducing reliance on imported meal.

As sunflower crops continue to increase in France, the region around the site is an important supplier and this investment will provide local farmers with a reliable outlet for their seeds and enhances collaboration with many cooperatives.

'This strategic investment strengthens our ability to connect French farmers to growing demand for high-value protein meal,' said Alexis Cazin, president of Cargill's Agriculture and Trading group in EMEA. 'By upgrading our processing capacity in Saint-Nazaire, we're creating more opportunities for local farmers while helping ensure France remains competitive in rapidly evolving global feed markets."

The investment also represents a significant step forward in improving the site's energy resilience. By using processed sunflower hulls to generate energy on site through a new biomass boiler, Cargill expects to reduce its natural gas use by more than 100 GWh per year and cut CO₂ emissions by approximately 20,000 metric tons annually, based on independent engineering estimates. Based on current estimates, that would be equivalent to removing around 15,000 cars from the road and would represent about 90% of the site's CO₂ emissions.

In addition, excess sunflower hulls will be converted into agricultural biomass pellets and supplied to external customers, including district heating networks. These pellets are expected to contribute to local energy needs, while supporting a more circular use of agricultural by-products.

The site currently employs 75 people, and the project is expected to create 7 jobs. Construction is expected to begin in November 2026, with commissioning planned for March 2029. During this period, the project is expected to engage local contractors and suppliers, contributing to economic activity in the region. The project is supported by ADEME and the France 2030 initiative.

This investment also reflects Cargill's broader commitment to France, including approximately €25 million invested in Baupte, €50 million in Saint-Cyr en Val near Orléans, and €61 million overall in the progressive transformation of its Haubourdin site.

About Cargill

Cargill is committed to providing food, ingredients, agricultural solutions, and industrial products to nourish the world in a safe, responsible, and sustainable way. Sitting at the heart of the supply chain, we partner with farmers and customers to source, make and deliver products that are vital for living.

Our 155K+ employees innovate with purpose, providing customers with life's essentials so businesses can grow, communities prosper, and consumers live well. With 160 years of experience as a family company, we look ahead while remaining true to our values. We put people first. We reach higher. We do the right thing-today and for generations to come. For more information, visit Cargill.com and our News Center.

Cargill in France

Cargill has operated in France since 1964. What began as a trading office in Saint-Nazaire has grown into a network of 14 sites employing approximately 2,000 people.

Most sites are located in western France - Brittany, Normandy and Pays de la Loire - reflecting the company's focus on enhancing local agricultural production, including sunflower, rapeseed, corn, wheat, apple pomace and poultry.

Cargill's activities position the company as a key partner to farmers and breeders, providing animal nutrition products and services. The company also supports the agri-food industry with high-quality ingredients and research and development expertise.