GUAYAQUIL, ECUADOR — Cargill has opened a shrimp feed plant in Guayaquil, Ecuador. An investment of approximately $65 million creates 150 new jobs and enables the creation of 500 related positions. Cargill said it will boost the local economy and bring nutrition technology and services to the shrimp industry.

With this plant, Cargill said it will be producing 165,000 tonnes per year, around 20% of the 800,000 tonnes of feed that the Ecuadorian market demands currently. Ecuador is the world’s fourth largest shrimp producer, according to Global Aquaculture Alliance data.

“The plant we are opening today offers the most leading-edge technology currently available for the production of shrimp feed,” said Ángel Gómez, general director Cargill Aqua Nutrition for Latin America North. “This helps Cargill deliver on its promise of guaranteeing the best production and service to our customers.”

The Vice-President of Ecuador, María Alejandra Vicuña, attended the inauguration ceremony, kicking off production of two lines of feed, one under the Purina brand, the other under Aquaxcel.

“Cargill’s investment in Ecuador also allows us to help the country and its people thrive through the production of goods and services,” Gómez said. “Today we are showing our commitment to supporting the development of Ecuador’s shrimp industry by maximizing the country’s export potential.”

Cargill has over 50 years’ experience in global feed production, with operations in 40 countries.