Cargill opens shrimp feed plant in Ecuador

Cargill has opened its new feed plant for shrimp in Guayaquil, Ecuador, to make advancements in aquaculture technology in the region.

Built with an investment of $65m, the plant is expected to create 150 jobs, as well as 500 related positions.

The plant is set to boost the local economy and bring nutrition technology and services to the shrimp industry.

The facility will have the capacity to annually produce 165,000t, which is around 20% of the 800,000t of feed that the Ecuadorian market demands.

Cargill Aqua Nutrition Latin America North general director Ángel Gómez said: “The plant we are opening today offers the most leading-edge technology currently available for the production of shrimp feed.

“This helps Cargill deliver on its promise of guaranteeing the best production and service to our customers.”

The facility will begin with two lines of feed, one under the Purina brand, the other under Aquaxcel.

For more than 50 years Cargill has been involved in global feed production, with its operations spread across 40 countries worldwide.

Gómez further added: “Cargill’s investment in Ecuador also allows us to help the country and its people thrive through the production of goods and services.

“Today we are showing our commitment to supporting the development of Ecuador’s shrimp industry by maximising the country’s export potential.”