Louis Dreyfus is building an oilseed processing plant in Argentina.
2026/06/24
Bahía Blanca, Argentina ( Bahía Blanca ) — In light of the growing demand for vegetable oils in the food and biofuels sectors, Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC) is constructing a new sunflower and soybean processing plant on the site of its existing facility in Bahía Blanca, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina, to expand its oilseed crushing capacity in key strategic markets.
In an announcement on June 8, Louis Dreyfus stated that the new facility will be integrated with the site’s existing warehousing, logistics, and deep-water port infrastructure. Construction is expected to begin before the end of this year.
Da Fu stated that, once operational, the plant is expected to process up to 4,000 tons of sunflower seeds or soybeans per day, which will help optimize production throughout the year, enhance flexibility in processing a variety of crops, and strengthen connections between regional growers and international markets.
“This investment underscores Argentina’s status as a strategic market for Louis Dreyfus, a country with a robust agricultural base and strong industrial, logistical, and export capabilities that enable it to link local production to global markets,” said Michael Gelchie, CEO of the Louis Dreyfus Group. “It is one of the company’s largest investments in Argentina over the past decade and the first greenfield project undertaken during this period. Our expansion at Bahía Blanca reflects our long-term commitment to supporting the development of Argentina’s agribusiness sector, including through investments that enhance the export competitiveness of Argentina and the wider region.”
Dafu stated that the project will involve the installation of equipment specifically designed for efficient oilseed processing, including pre‑treatment systems for cleaning, dehulling, conditioning, and flaking, as well as high‑capacity presses and advanced solvent extraction technology.
The plant will employ an integrated area for seed reception and processing, as well as for loading by-products (meal, pellets, and oil), and will feature a closed-loop product conveying system designed for continuous operation and enhanced emission control.
We will leverage advanced automation and integrated material-handling systems, along with a highly efficient thermal-energy infrastructure entirely powered by renewable biomass—specifically sunflower seed husks—to optimize energy use and reduce operational carbon emissions.
Cargill, headquartered in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, stated that this investment will complement its new high-oil-content seed‑pressing production line in Timbues, Santa Fe Province, as well as its recently acquired… The multi-seed pressing and refining plant located in Fokt, Hungary, is complementary.
“This new project in Argentina expands our oilseed-processing capacity and underscores our long-term commitment to the region, which is critical to the growth of our global sunflower-seed business,” said Juan José Blanchard, Group Chief Operating Officer and Head of Latin America. “The project is expected to become one of the largest sunflower‑seed crushing facilities in the world, reflecting Dafu’s dedication to ongoing investment in efficient, integrated, and reliable industrial capabilities, thereby reinforcing our position as a trusted partner for growers and downstream customers.”
