Colombian agribusiness Grupo Daabon (Daabon) has become the largest producer of palm oil in the Americas following its acquisition of Agropalma, Brazil’s leading producer of palm oil and derivatives.
The acquisition includes all of Agropalma’s operations in Pará state comprising 39,000ha of planted oil palm; 64,000ha of forest reserve area; six extraction plants in Tailândia; a refinery in Belém; and a bonded export terminal, marking Daabon’s entry into the Brazilian market, the company said on 22 June.
Commenting on the acquisition, Manuel Davila, managing director of Daabon Europa and Daabon UK, said: “Agropalma is a family farming business that shares our values and commitment to sustainability – our mission now is to build on our shared legacy. Together, we will be … better positioned to serve the demands of European, UK and global markets with certified sustainable, deforestation-free palm oil.”
As part of Daabon’s move into Brazil, the company said it would increase support and engagement programmes with smallholder farmers in Brazil and would invest in improving the productivity of its palm plantations in line with the development potential of the country’s sustainable palm oil sector.
The company said it would also bring Agropalma operations in line with Daabon’s standards and certifications.
Agropalma’s operations span the palm oil production chain – from seedling production to refined oil, speciality fats and high-value-added solutions.
Following the acquisition, Agropalma’s operations in Brazil would maintain the Agropalma name. A refinery located in Limeira, São Paulo state - which was not included in the agreement – would operate as Indústrias Xhara under the management of APAR Holdings group.
Family-owned Grupo Gaabon is active in the agriculture, industry, logistics and real estate sectors, with a portfolio that includes palm oil, bananas, coffee, cocoa, avocados, bioenergy, port services, and transportation.
