Driven by a historical shift in food production with farmed fish surpassing global beef production for the first time in modern history, Cargill announced it has formed a joint venture with Naturisa to build a USD $30 million shrimp feed facility near Guayaquil. The transaction involves the construction of a new world-class shrimp feed mill that will produce 130,000 metric tons annually and employ 260 people when the facility is fully operational in 2017.
Cargill will own 75 percent and have managerial control of the day-to-day operation, while Naturisa will retain 25 percent in the joint venture. The investment creates a unique opportunity for Cargill to grow in aquaculture in Ecuador and opens the door to future investment opportunities for other commodities in the market. Through its Americus Marketing Group, Cargill has imported agricultural commodities into Ecuador for a number of years. Naturisa, Ecuador's second largest shrimp producer and the fourth largest exporter in the country, is a leader in the aquaculture industry.