Olam Agri launches $50m soybean plant, feed mill in Kwara

OLAM Agri has commissioned a $50 million ultra-modern soybean crushing plant alongside a feed milling facility in Ilorin, Kwara State, marking a significant expansion of its agribusiness operations in Nigeria.

The soybean processing facility, regarded as the largest of its kind in sub-Saharan Africa, is designed to handle between 250,000 and 350,000 metric tonnes annually. It is expected to boost domestic soybean production while supplying raw materials to the company’s feed mill and its subsidiary, Ruyat Oil.

In a statement, Country Head and Managing Director of Olam Agri in Nigeria, Anil Nair, said the company remains committed to investing across critical value chains, human capital, and food safety, while contributing to Nigeria’s economic development in alignment with the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

At the same event, the company introduced Mama’s Pride Soya Oil, a refined cooking oil tailored to meet the nutritional demands of Nigerian households. The product launch drew strong interest from distributors and trade partners nationwide, reflecting early market enthusiasm.

Africa Head of Edible Oil Processing at Olam Agri, Saurabh Kumar, described the new product as a deliberate innovation crafted for local consumption. According to him, the oil is produced domestically and designed to deliver both quality and reliability for everyday cooking needs. He expressed confidence that the product would set new benchmarks in the market, citing its health benefits and durability.

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Kumar also reaffirmed the company’s long-term commitment to Nigeria, noting that the product builds on its existing footprint across rice, wheat milling, animal feed, and sesame value chains. He added that the production process, from sourcing soybeans locally to refining them into edible oil, reflects Olam Agri’s focus on sustainability and excellence.

Head of Marketing, Bola Adeniji, underscored the importance of encouraging consumers to opt for safe and unadulterated cooking oils. He noted that Mama’s Pride Soya Oil delivers both nutritional value and product integrity, urging distributors to support authentic brands and help curb the spread of adulterated oils in the market.

He highlighted key attributes of the product, including fortification with Vitamin A and Omega 3 and 6, zero cholesterol, and extended frying performance, which offers cost efficiency for consumers.

Managing Director of the wheat milling business, Nitin Mehta, described the launch as a milestone for the company. He explained that delivering high-quality yet affordable products remains central to Olam Agri’s strategy, adding that the new oil brand is the result of over 18 months of research and development.

Mehta also pointed to the company’s strong dealer network, particularly in its pasta and semolina segments, expressing optimism that similar support would drive the success of the new product in the market.

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Mama’s Pride Soya Oil is now available across retail outlets nationwide, packaged in multiple sizes to cater to both household and commercial users. These include PET bottles of 500ml, 1L, and 2L; pouches of 350ml and 1L; as well as a 25-litre keg.

Olam Agri, a global player in food, feed, and fibre, continues to adopt an integrated approach by working closely with farmers, enhancing productivity, and promoting local processing. The company says this strategy supports value chain development, job creation, improved nutrition, and broader economic growth in Nigeria.

At the launch, Nasir noted that the introduction of Mama’s Pride Soya Oil stems from the company’s sustained investments in Nigeria’s food systems. He added that Nigeria has the potential to achieve food self-sufficiency through continued investment in infrastructure, farmer empowerment, and the delivery of high-quality consumer products.