ADM cements Western Europe footprint with Chamtor acquisition

The purchase of the Reims-based producer of wheat-based glucose, starch and protein is the latest in a series of moves by the US food processing and commodities trading corporation to expand its share of the Western European sweetener and wheat market.

According to Pierre Duprat, ADM’s president, Europe, Middle East and Africa, there is an increasing demand for sweeteners and starches in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, which ADM has been focused upon for the past several years.

The Chicago-headquartered company acquired the US manufacturer of flavors, colors, and health-conscious ingredients Wild Flavors in 2014.

Sweetening the US pot​

Recently, the partnership completed a consumer study to gauge attitudes towards sweeteners and sweetening in the US.

It found that more than 70% of consumers were either very or somewhat concerned about the added sugars and the types of sugars used in products.

In 2015, ADM acquired several corn wet mills in Bulgaria and Turkey, and a 50% stake in a wet mill in Hungary.

Global expansion​

Last year, it acquired a sweetener and starch facility in Morocco, and announced expansion plans for the Turkey and Bulgaria plants.

And, in April this year, ADM partnered with Medsofts Group and launched ADM Medsofts, an Egyptian commodity merchandising, transportation and delivery service.

The French move​

Duprat said the Chamtor purchase is a strategically sound one.

France is known for its wheat production capabilities and Chamtor’s Bazancourt plant is located within reach of customers across Spain, Germany, France and Benelux.