Bunge Loders Croklaan (BLC), the edible oils business of Bunge Limited (NYSE:BG), a leader in agriculture, food and ingredients, today announced the official opening of a new  edible oils processing facility in China. Located in Xiamen, within the Fujian region of Southern China, the new facility expands BLC’s ability to deliver plant-based specialty oils and fats ingredients for the food and foodservice industry to meet growing demand in China - while also serving customers around the world.

“China is an extremely dynamic and growing food market, and this state-of-the-art processing plant in Xiamen is illustrative of our commitment to not only invest in key local markets, but also create new opportunities for our customers around the world,” said Manuel Laborde, Vice President Asia at Bunge Loders Croklaan.

Reflecting BLC’s commitment to work closely together with its customers, the facility also includes a Creative Studio, designed to develop innovative ingredient and food solutions for the Chinese market.

Fujian has a history as a leading confectionery and bakery region, and is home to some of the largest and most well-known domestic brands. This new facility will allow BLC to deliver on its industry leading portfolio of confectionary, bakery, infant, dairy alternatives and culinary specialty oils and fats.  

The oils operations in the Xiamen facility encompass a vast range of production processes, from refining of oils and modification of its fractions to packaging. It also holds a pilot plant and quality control lab equipped with the latest technology in analytical capabilities to ensure strict quality controls and compliance with regulatory requirements.

“Bunge Loders Croklaan is a leader in the sustainable plant-based oils and fats industry,” said Katherine Huang, General Manager, Bunge China Food & Ingredients. “This new facility’s advanced processing capabilities combined with our Creative Studio are a real testament to our commitment to serving both the Chinese and global markets in new and innovative ways.”

The Xiamen Factory Grand Opening Ceremony takes place on July 18th. Aaron Buettner, Senior Vice President of Bunge Loders Croklaan, will be joined by local officials from the Fujian province to celebrate the facility’s new opening. More than 150 customers, suppliers and representatives from industrial associations and national academic communities will also participate in the festivities.