Global commodities trader Cargill Inc is launching a new business unit focused on animal and human health products as part of a reorganization of its animal nutrition business, the company told Reuters on Wednesday.
Cargill said its animal nutrition and health group will now consist of three units: Cargill Animal Nutrition, combining its existing feed, nutrition and pre-mix businesses; Cargill Aqua Nutrition; and the new Cargill Health Technologies.
This marks the latest reorganization effort by the Minnesota-based firm, as a sour farm economy, adverse weather and an ongoing U.S.-China trade war have dragged on profits for global agricultural companies.
The move also comes as Cargill has shuttered animal-feed mills in China, in part because the rapid spread of the fatal hog disease African Swine Fever (ASF) has reduced demand.
Cargill’s animal nutrition and protein businesses have been under pressure in recent months, as poor weather disrupted U.S. Midwest cattle shipments and ASF reduced hog feed demand in China.
The new unit will focus on “specialty health ingredients, building a digestive and immune business for humans and animals,” the company said in a statement.
Chuck Warta, currently president of Cargill’s animal nutrition and pre-mix business, will head up the new unit.
Adriano Marcon, president and group leader for Cargill’s aquaculture business globally, will be in charge of Cargill Animal Nutrition. Pilar Cruz, president of its compound feed business, will head up Cargill Aqua Nutrition.
The company is set to report its fiscal 2020 first quarter earnings on Thursday. The company said the reorganization will not change how Cargill will report its different business segment earnings on Thursday.
In July, the company reported a 41% drop in adjusted quarterly profit for its fourth quarter, citing supply disruptions stemming from the U.S.-China trade war and also flooding in the central United States that hit marketing and transportation of grains and livestock.
By P.J. Huffstutter
Source: Reuters
Consumer behaviors and preferences are evolving rapidly. With macro shifts in society, inflation and food supply challenges set to profoundly influence how people consume food and beverages, Givaudan is exploring what the world of dairy alternatives will look like in the coming decade.
After nearly three decades with AFI, Andersen is leaving to pursue a different career path “to work on diverse projects and explore opportunities to serve as board member”. Serving as CEO since 2010, Andersen joined AFI in 1994, initially overseeing applications and R&D. Over the years, he has maintained a strong focus on the whey business.
The Kraft Heinz Company has introduced five new members to its executive leadership team, who will collaborate with Carlos Abrams-Rivera upon assuming the CEO role in 2024. Pedro Navio will assume the position of North America president at the beginning of next year. In addition, Willem Brandt, Bruno Keller, Cory Onell and Diana Frost will join Abrams-Rivera and Navio on the executive leadership team.
