Cargill invests US$150M to boost high-protein sunflower meal production in France

FRANCE – Cargill is investing US$150 million to upgrade its sunflower processing facility in Saint-Nazaire, expanding output of high-protein meal for the animal feed sector and reducing reliance on imports.

The upgrade will enable the site to shift from lower-protein sunflower meal to high- and super-high-protein variants, strengthening the regional supply of plant-based protein for feed manufacturers across Western Europe.

“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.”

Feed sector to benefit from local protein supply

The move comes as demand for alternative protein sources in animal feed rises, particularly in Europe, where geopolitical tensions and sustainability requirements have disrupted supply chains.

By increasing production of higher-protein sunflower meal, Cargill aims to provide feed producers with a locally sourced ingredient that can partially replace imported soybean meal, improving supply security and potentially lowering carbon footprints.

The investment also strengthens links with French sunflower growers and cooperatives, offering a stable outlet for crops as production expands in the region.

Alongside feed output gains, the project includes a new biomass boiler that will use sunflower hulls to generate on-site energy. 

This is expected to cut natural gas consumption by more than 100 GWh annually and reduce CO₂ emissions by around 20,000 metric tonnes per year, equivalent to removing approximately 15,000 cars from the road.

The initiative will also convert excess sunflower hulls into biomass pellets for external markets, including district heating systems, supporting a more circular use of agricultural by-products.

The project is backed by ADEME and the France 2030 initiative, reflecting national priorities around energy transition and industrial competitiveness.

Timeline and broader investment strategy

Construction is scheduled to begin in November 2026, with commissioning planned for March 2029. 

The site, which currently employs 75 people, is expected to create seven additional jobs while supporting local contractors during the build phase.

The Saint-Nazaire upgrade forms part of Cargill’s wider investment programme in France, including €25 million (US$27 million) in Baupte, €50 million (US$54 million) in Saint-Cyr-en-Val, and €61 million (US$66 million) in Haubourdin.

For the feed industry, the expansion signals a continued shift toward diversified, locally produced protein sources, as companies balance cost, sustainability and supply chain resilience in a changing global market.

The upgrade will enable the site to shift from lower-protein sunflower meal to high- and super-high-protein variants, strengthening the regional supply of plant-based protein for feed manufacturers.

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