Cargill Recognized By Frost & Sullivan Growth Strategy Leadership in Global Lecithin Market

14/06/06 Frost & Sullivan recently presented its 2006 Global Excellence in Growth Strategy Leadership of the Year Award to Cargill, Incorporated for its unique growth strategies to increase its market share and become a leader in the global lecithin market.

"By investing in a unique division that handles only lecithin products, Cargill has gained a competitive edge over other companies and, in the process, has built a team to increase its market share in the lecithin market," says Frost & Sullivan research analyst Sucharithra Narayanaswamy. "One of Cargill's growth strategies to develop and build lecithin business is attributed to its highly trained sales personnel, application technologists, and management personnel."

Another of Cargill's growth strategies is strategic acquisitions. Cargill's recent acquisition of Degussa's Food Ingredient Business in 2005 will globally strengthen its position in the lecithin market.

Cargill has always been diligent in identifying growth avenues as well as making timely strategic decisions that have enabled it to be a leader in the global lecithin market. An example of this is its innovative fluid lecithin manufacturing through a patented membrane separation process in Brazil.

In this innovative technology, lecithin is filtered directly out of the crude oil without the addition of water, which is usually one of the steps in the water-degumming process. The lecithin manufactured through this process is transparent as well as clear and is used in applications such as margarine and ice cream. The lecithin products manufactured through this technology command a premium price as it is produced without any chemicals and at a low temperature.

"Membrane technology is a unique patented technology that enables Cargill to manufacture lecithin with various product benefits, and since this technology is not available with any other manufacturer, Cargill gains an edge in the global lecithin market," notes Sucharithra. "Customer service offered by Cargill aided by knowledgeable and well-trained sales staff as well as food technologists helps customers choose the right product, thus providing Cargill an added advantage against competitors."

Cargill's staff, which is well trained on legislation, facilitates purchases by making all information available at one source and helping customers obtain the perfect product for their application. This is a value- added service that Cargill provides for all its customers, especially for small companies that may not be aware of the various legislations.

Efficient growth strategies such as acquisitions, innovative technology and product, as well as focused attention have enabled Cargill to expand in the global lecithin market. The 2006 Global Excellence in Growth Strategy Leadership of the Year Award is presented to Cargill for its dedication and continued effort to establish itself as the leader in the global lecithin
market.

Frost & Sullivan presents this Award to a company that has demonstrated global excellence in business functions such as sales, marketing, customer service, technology innovation, product quality, supply chain management, and growth strategy. Leveraging best practices in the company to all global units is a major metric that Frost & Sullivan utilizes in its selection process. The Award recipient has distinguished itself through its proactive global integration strategies that can position the company to emerge as a global leader.

Frost & Sullivan Best Practices Awards recognize companies in a variety of regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analysis, and extensive secondary research in order to identify best practices in the industry.