Cargill has formally opened the world’s most modern shrimp feed plant in Guayaquil, Ecuador – creating the potential for significant growth in the country’s aquaculture sector.
Cargill’s investment of approximately $65 million dollars creates 150 new jobs and enables the creation of 500 related positions – boosting the local economy and bringing nutrition technology and services to the shrimp industry.
With this plant, Cargill will be producing 165,000 tons per year, around 20 percent of the 800,000 tons of feed that the Ecuadorian market demands currently. Ecuador is the world’s fourth largest shrimp producer, according to Global Aquaculture Alliance data.
“The plant we are opening today offers the most leading-edge technology currently available for the production of shrimp feed,” said Ángel Gómez, general director, Cargill Aqua Nutrition for Latin America North. “This helps Cargill deliver on its promise of guaranteeing the best production and service to our customers.”
The vice president of Ecuador, María Alejandra Vicuña, attended the inauguration ceremony, formally kicking off production of two lines of feed, one under the Purina brand, the other under Aquaxcel.
“Cargill’s investment in Ecuador also allows us to help the country and its people thrive through the production of goods and services,” added Gómez. “Today we are showing our commitment to supporting the development of Ecuador’s shrimp industry by maximizing the country’s export potential.”
Cargill has more than 50 years’ experience in global feed production, with operations in 40 countries.
