On Track To Pump In $240 Million Into India

Cargill India, part of the global food giant the Cargill group, has been shifting its focus to sustainable growth. In an exclusive interview with Prabodh Krishna of BW Businessworld, Cargill India’s newly appointed president, Simon George, divulges plans of investing $240 million in India. He also talks of the potentials policy measures have created for the food processing industry in the country. Excerpts:

- Prabodh Krishna

Cargill India focused on corn processing last year. Which crop do you target focussing on now?

See, Cargill is one of the largest originators and marketers of food and feed grains in India. Our customers include leading food businesses, flour millers, feed millers, distillers, brewers, and starch manufacturers. Currently, we trade in corn, wheat, soybean, millet, and barley. Of these, we process corn to manufacture glucose and dextrose syrups as well as maltodextrin powder for the global food and beverage industry and wheat to produce atta (flour) under our brand, NatureFresh. Of course, we are always exploring opportunities to expand our footprint in this business to provide best-in-class solutions to customers who depend on us.

Your group has faced multiple challenges in the Indian market, but have surmounted them. What worked in your favour?

We are uniquely positioned in the food and agriculture industry to connect farmers to the market, all thanks to our presence across the supply chain. In its 30 years in India, Cargill has successfully navigated challenges and complexities in the food and agriculture industries and has grown its footprint in multiple sectors that include refined oils, food ingredients, grain and oilseeds, cotton, animal nutrition, industrial specialties, and trade-structured finance. Today we employ more than 3,500 employees in India and generate revenues of about $1.2 billion.