ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS — Global trading group Louis Dreyfus Commodities B.V. on March 26 reported a slight increase in full-year profit due to increased volumes and healthy processing margins.

Net income, group share, increased to $648 million for the year, from $640 million in 2013. Net sales increased to $64.7 billion from $63.6 billion, supported by a 4% increase in shipped volumes to 80 million tonnes, the company said.

The Value Chain division, which includes oilseeds, grains, juice, fertilizers, livestock feed and stock, reported a 19% increase in operating results to $1.046 billion.

The oilseeds platform had healthy profits on the back of record crop levels in most regions, the company said. Processing assets where at near full capacity, and delivered substantial yields.

The grains platform also recorded strong profits in markets that saw volatility and oversupply throughout the year, the company said.

“The platform overcame market concerns caused by geopolitical situations, such as in the Black Sea region, and wheat quality issues in some origination areas by leveraging its diversified presence,” the company said. “In addition, optimized asset efficiency and logistics capabilities enabled the platform to make the most of abundant crops.”

“Louis Dreyfus Commodities is in a very good, well-performing position that enables us to stay focused on our core expertise of securing supplies of food in a changing world, now and in the future,” said Margarita Louis-Dreyfus, chairperson of Louis Dreyfus Holding.

2014 was marked by an abundant supply, fuelling already high inventory levels for most of the group’s commodities. This supply-side growth outstripped increase in demand in many commodities, driving price and volatility to low levels.

“The new increase in our sales volumes to 80 million tonnes shipped to destination, as well as our investments of close to $600 million, are a testimony to Louis Dreyfus Commodities’ approach as a long-term partner and investor, and a positive force for sustainable development in local economies and communities, wherever we operate,” said Claude Ehlinger, deputy chief executive officer and chief financial officer (acting CEO) of Louis Dreyfus Commodities.