Bunge expands soy processing footprint with IFF acquisition

USA – Bunge, a global leader in agribusiness and food, has completed the acquisition of soy protein concentrate, lecithin, and soy crush businesses from International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc. (IFF), reinforcing its position across the global oilseed and protein value chain.

The transaction includes IFF’s Response®, Alpha®, Procon®, and Solec™ brands. These businesses produce textured, functional, and powdered soy protein concentrates used in bakery, snacks, meat, and alternative protein applications. 

The acquisition also expands Bunge’s lecithin portfolio, adding liquid, powdered, and fractionated lecithins derived from soy, sunflower, and rapeseed.

While the financial terms of the acquisition have not been disclosed, industry analysts note that the acquired businesses generated approximately $240 million in revenue in 2024 and employed around 250 people globally, reflecting a significant addition to Bunge’s existing protein and lecithin operations.

According to Bunge, the acquisition supports its strategy to optimise its ingredients portfolio and strengthen its role as a solutions provider to food and beverage customers. 

“This acquisition reinforces our commitment to be recognised by food and beverage customers as a partner of choice, providing a diverse and reliable range of ingredient solutions,” said Brian Douville, vice president of emulsifiers and proteins at Bunge. “We are excited to welcome our new colleagues and integrate their expertise into Bunge’s global operations.”

Implications for the feed sector

Although positioned primarily as a food ingredients transaction, the inclusion of soy crush operations makes the acquisition directly relevant to global feed markets.

Soy crushing produces two key outputs: soy oil and soybean meal. Soybean meal remains one of the most important protein sources in livestock and poultry feed formulations worldwide. 

Any expansion in crushing capacity or consolidation among major processors can influence supply dynamics, pricing structures, and trade flows.

By integrating additional crush assets, Bunge strengthens its control over soybean processing from origination to downstream applications. 

This increased vertical integration can improve operational efficiency and supply coordination. 

For feed manufacturers, this may translate into more stable supply channels in certain regions. However, it also reflects continued concentration within the global oilseed sector, a trend that can influence competitive dynamics over time.

The acquisition also signals a broader shift in soybean utilisation. As demand for higher-value soy protein concentrates for human consumption grows, a larger share of soybeans may be directed toward speciality processing. 

While soybean meal remains a core co-product of crushing, long-term investment trends toward value-added ingredients could gradually reshape how processors prioritise capacity and margins.

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