ADM opens premix plant in Brazil to boost animal nutrition capacity

BRAZIL – Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) has inaugurated a new premix and additives plant in Apucarana, Paraná, with a capacity of up to 40,000 tonnes per year, as the company expands its animal nutrition operations and targets growth in South America’s feed sector.

The 7,500 m² facility replaces and expands ADM’s previous operation in the city, increasing capacity by roughly 40–50% while introducing advanced automation, dosing control and traceability systems to improve formulation precision.

Premix, a blend of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and additives, is a key input in livestock and aquaculture feed, enabling more efficient animal growth and health management.

Operations will begin with a single shift producing around 15,000 tonnes annually, before scaling to full capacity across three shifts. 

The company is also studying a further expansion that could double output to 80,000 tonnes per year.

Scaling supply and export ambitions

The new plant will supply premix to ADM’s existing feed production network in Brazil, which includes six feed-focused facilities, while also serving external customers across poultry, livestock and aquaculture sectors.

Brazil is one of the world’s largest producers of animal protein. Feed demand remains strong. Precision nutrition is becoming more important.

ADM is also positioning the facility as a platform for export growth.

“The idea is to double export volumes,” said Raphael Bozola, ADM’s vice president of animal nutrition for South America. “And we are working to open export channels for premix.”

Expanding premix exports presents additional complexity. 

Formulations must be adapted to different regulatory and nutritional standards across markets.

Argentina is expected to be the first target market, with the company not ruling out acquisitions to support regional expansion.

ADM in Brazil has supported the development of the livestock sector through feed production, nutritional solutions and research investments, including an aquaculture R&D centre in Aparecida do Taboado.

The company operates eight animal nutrition facilities in the country. Six focus on feed production.

The new Apucarana plant is expected to support regional economic activity, including job creation in operations, quality control and logistics, although the company has not disclosed employment figures.

The investment also reflects a broader shift in the feed industry. More focus is being placed on precision, efficiency and traceability rather than just volume.

Portfolio shift 

The expansion comes alongside a restructuring of ADM’s Brazil portfolio following the sale of its feed mill in Três Corações, Minas Gerais, to Agronorte. 

The transaction was finalised at the end of January 2026 after approval from the Administrative Council for Economic Defence.

The divestment signals a strategic shift. ADM is moving away from lower-margin, conventional feed manufacturing toward higher-value segments such as premix, additives and specialised nutrition.

This aligns with wider industry trends. Feed companies are increasingly focusing on value-added solutions that improve performance rather than just supplying bulk feed.

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