Animal nutrition and related industries

Sofiprotéol invests heavily in livestock farming industries with the goal of developing activities, modernizing industrial capacity, and encouraging organization.

Today, Sofiprotéol is involved in all aspects of livestock farming :

• prior to production: a presence in the animal feed blends market via Glon-Sanders, the French leader in animal nutrition,
• after production: involvement in livestock product processing companies.

Encouraging development of rapeseed oil cakes in France

As a by-product of Diester’s production process, Sofiprotéol’s oil cake production profits from major developments at the company. Oil cakes are the grain residue that remains after oil is extracted. The complementary nature of these 2 Group businesses—biofuels and animal nutrition—benefits the entire industry.

Furthermore, a global hike in the price of plant-based raw materials has made rapeseed oil cakes more competitive than imported soy oil cakes.

Modernizing industrial capacity

The Sofiprotéol Group undertakes ambitious projects to equip animal industries with modern, high-performance facilities.

In 2009, Glon-Sanders invested more than 7 million euros to modernize its feed blend production unit in Landrecies (Nord).

Similarly, the Group equipped its Boscher Volailles subsidiary with a modern slaughterhouse to strengthen its position as a supplier of chicken breasts to industrial companies in Europe.

Structuring the livestock industry

The livestock industry is facing an increase in the price of plant-based raw materials used in animal feed, as well as volatile markets. It must reorganize to become more competitive.

Sofiprotéol supports the industry in this process. In 2008, for example, the Group helped establish the Porc Armor group of Breton pig farmers.

Glon-Sanders also reorganized the egg industry—both the mass market (under the Matines brand) and the industrial market (egg products).

Developing animal health and genetics activities

Sofiprotéol is involved in innovative activities that are likely to benefit all livestock farming industries. For that reason, the Group is active in animal health and genetics activities.

Animal health

The Group works in the field of animal health alongside the Sogeval veterinary laboratory in Laval (Mayenne). This laboratory produces medicines and hygiene products for pet and livestock markets.

Since 2006, Sogeval has been growing internationally :

• creation of an American subsidiary in 2006 (Sogeval Inc),
• acquisition of the Vitaly Systems laboratory in Oldsmar (Florida) in 2008.

Animal genetics

Sofiprotéol is increasing its involvement in the field of animal genetics, which is experiencing a strong movement toward consolidation.

In 2008, Sofiprotéol acquired a significant holding in Dutch group Hendrix Genetics, a world leader in animal genetics. Sofiprotéol also ceded its subsidiary France Hybrides to this group.

This strategic alliance aims to be a center for European research—an essential condition for strengthening the performance of animal industries.