Golden Peanut and Tree Nuts has acquired an 80% ownership stake in a peanut shelling and storage facility in Jan Kempdorp, South Africa.

ALPHARETTA, GA. — Golden Peanut and Tree Nuts, a subsidiary of Archer Daniels Midland Co., has acquired an 80% ownership stake in a peanut shelling and storage facility in Jan Kempdorp, South Africa. Golden Peanut has been operating the facility under lease since May.

Greg Mills, president of Golden Peanut and Tree Nuts

“This is yet another exciting expansion for Golden Peanut and Tree Nuts in one of the most important peanut producing and consuming regions in the world,” said Greg Mills, president of Golden Peanut and Tree Nuts. “South Africa has the largest consumption of peanut butter outside of the United States, and following on our South African investments in 2013 and 2014, we are now positioned as one of the country’s leading purchasers and processors of peanuts.”

Golden Peanut entered the South African peanut market in late 2013 through the purchase of an 80% ownership stake in a bulk warehouse and a shelling plant in Hartswater. A year later, Golden Peanut acquired the majority of an additional processing facility in Hoopstad.

Alex Izmirlian, v.p. of international sales for Golden Peanut and Tree Nuts

“This purchase continues to strengthen our position to better serve our customers in South Africa and around the world,” said Alex Izmirlian, vice-president of international sales for Golden Peanut and Tree Nuts. “Since 1990, worldwide consumption of peanuts has nearly doubled, from 22 million to 40 million metric tons. Golden Peanut and Tree Nuts is expanding to meet customer needs as global demand grows.”