AGRO-PROCESSINGSupporting foodsecurity, empoweringlocal farmers andpromoting economicresilience throughagro-processingThe CEO of Barloworld Consumer Industries,Chris Wierenga, reports that Ingrain has become acore contributor to Barloworld’s growth story.Operational efficiency, optimised procurement, processimprovements and yield optimisation, along withinvestments in sustainable energy and wastemanagement, are positioning Africa’s largest non-GMOmanufacturer to take advantage of the AfCFTA framework.Chris Wierenga, CEO: BarloworldConsumer Industries.If the tariff regime proposed by US President Trump is carriedthrough and persisted with, what will the consequences befor your business?Ingrain is present in key international markets but does not exportany ingredients into the United States, therefore is not directlyimpacted by the tariff regime. There may be some downstreamimpact in other key sectors which Ingrain serves, for examplecitrus exports, which may be affected by the tariffs. South Africancitrus exports into the US have remained robust, which isencouraging. While Ingrain’s primary focus is on Southern Africaand select international markets like Australia and exports to Asianmarkets, global policy shifts – including potential US tariffs – canhave ripple effects. These may manifest through input pricingvolatility, shifts in global maize trade flows or competitive pressures.We remain alert and responsive, with scenario planning builtinto our strategic planning. Our flexible sourcing model, diversifiedmarket base and strong regional focus aids resilience amidgeopolitical uncertainty.36 | www.opportunityonline.co.za
AGRO-PROCESSINGKliprivier Mill is one offour Ingrain mills intwo provinces.And if South Africa’s AGOA contract is not renewed? Have youdone scenarios related to tariffs or AGOA?Although Ingrain’s direct exposure to AGOA is limited, werecognise its broader influence on regional trade confidenceand currency movements. We have developed internal scenarioplanningmodels considering volume sensitivities and haveclearly understood the implications on our profitability. Just assectors impacted by AGOA are on an aggressive drive to explorealternative markets through export diversification, so Ingrainremains focused on filling volumes in key local as well as regionalmarkets outside of the US. Demand for starch and glucose in ourtarget markets remains stable.To which African markets do you sell, and what products dobest in selected markets?Ingrain currently exports to several African countries, with astrong emphasis on Southern Africa. Our best-performingproducts include starches and glucose tailored to the food,beverage and industrial sectors. We see growing interest inmodified starches and specialty ingredients and continue toIngrain has developed a new R&D laboratory.
