WINNIPEG, MANITOBA, CANADA — Cigi (Canadian International Grains Institute) and Yihai Kerry (Wilmar International) signed an agreement on June 14 will initiate formal negotiations for Cigi to provide technical services and expertise in Canadian field crops to the company. Yihai Kerry is a leading agribusiness and food company with over 20 years of local operating history in China.

The agreement was signed in Beijing, China during a trade mission lead by the Hon. Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food that was focused on promoting Canadian agricultural products to the Chinese marketplace. Minister Ritz participated in the meeting with Yihai Kerry and Cigi and witnessed the signing of the agreement by Earl Geddes, chief executive officer, Cigi and Mu Yan Kui, deputy chairman, Yihai Kerry.

The memorandum paves the way for Cigi and Yihai Kerry to negotiate the provision of a number of services including the introduction of pulse and durum flour into existing Yihai Kerry products, the identification of new product concepts suitable for the Chinese market, and collaboration on research projects in Canada and China.  

“Working with Yihai Kerry and Wilmar International will enable Cigi to further its work on behalf of farmers and the Canadian field crop industry to promote Canadian crops and products in this growing and dynamic market,” said Geddes. “Cigi has extensive experience working in the Chinese market over several decades. This knowledge enables us to identify opportunities to work with Yihai Kerry to increase the diversity, healthiness and profitability of their products using Canadian wheat, durum and pulses.”   

Yihai Kerry is a leader in multiple market segments in China and one of the largest rice and wheat flour millers in the region. Its business model spans the entire value chain from raw material sourcing, through to processing, marketing, branding, sales and distribution.  

Over the next several months representatives from Cigi and Yihai Kerry will work to finalize the scope of activities to be undertaken with respect to wheat, durum and pulse crops.