EBRD supports diversification of agribusiness

Expur currently crushes rapeseed and sunflower seed, producing crude rapeseed oil, refined edible sunflower oil, as well as rapeseed and sunflower meal and biodiesel, for both domestic and export markets.
The EBRD financing will support Expur’s strategy to contribute to the development of the rape meal and biodiesel markets in . The bank said the increased demand for rapeseed as a raw material for these products would encourage local farmers to cultivate more of the crop for domestic use.
The 80 million Euro EBRD package comprises a 20 million Euro long-term loan to finance the upgrade of Expur’s crushing facility, and a 60 million Euro working capital facility. Half of each of the two loans will be for the bank’s account, with the remaining amount syndicated to BRD (Societe Generale Group) and Rabobank.
Expur was recently acquired by Saipol S.A.S., the French leader in oilseed crushing and vegetable oil refining. Saipol, which is part of Sofiprotéol’s Oilseed Division, processes rapeseed and sunflower into vegetable oil intended for human consumption, oil meal for animal feed, and by-products for sustainable energy and chemistry. Expur’s operating facilities and capacities strongly complement those of Saipol.
“Supporting agribusiness development with a particular focus on food processing is one of the EBRD’s priorities in . This project will have a positive impact all along the food value chain, with benefits for domestic suppliers and farmers. In addition it will help Expur strengthen its operations and raise quality standards,” said Gilles Mettetal, Director of EBRD Agribusiness team.