BayWa business division Cefetra Group sets up new trading centre for specialities from Africa in Dubai

Sedaco DMCC plans to handle 250,000 tonnes of products from over 30 countries of origin a year

Munich/Dubai, 18 August 2021 – The BayWa business division Cefetra Group has established a new trading centre in Dubai, marking a major step forward in the diversification of the Rotterdam-based company’s portfolio. Since July, Sedaco DMCC has been trading in special crops such as oilseed, nuts and pulses of African origin. Sedaco DMCC also operates additional trading offices in Tanzania and Nigeria, as well as collection points in various African regions. The goal is to collect around 250,000 tonnes a year from over 30 countries of origin going forward for shipment to more than 40 countries worldwide for further processing in the food sector.

“African agriculture has tremendous potential,” says Prof. Klaus Josef Lutz, Chief Executive Officer of BayWa AG. “Our decision to enhance Cefetra’s presence in Africa and the Middle East, and thereby intensify the activities undertaken by Sedaco, makes an important contribution to promoting the African economy, particularly in rural areas. At the same time, we are helping to develop and promote the cultivation of healthy food, sustainable cultivation methods and transparent supply chains on the ground. Africa and the Arab world are not uncharted territory for us. In fact, we have maintained a successful presence in different business divisions for many years in both regions.”

Daan Vriens, CEO of Cefetra Group, adds: “Our roots are in the animal feed industry as ingredient supplier. We will use this strong base to further expand our portfolio in the years ahead and transform Cefetra into a trader of highquality ingredients to the food and feed industry. Sedaco trades in products that are a very good fit for our longterm goals and complement other recently acquired companies within the Group well.” According to Anurag Bhargava, Managing Director of Sedaco DMCC, the new company’s business model is a strong addition to Cefetra Group’s strategy and underscores its openness to new markets. “We have assembled a strong and experienced team that is now able to get off to a flying start.”