Gunnar Lynum of the Ohio Soybean Association recently visited with Bulgarian traders and vegetal protein processing companies in an effort to expand exports and find new customers for U.S. soybeans. The objectives of the activity were to demonstrate U.S. soy superiority in terms of protein composition and value, remind customers about containerized shipment opportunities, and increase demand for U.S. soy.

“In general, customers know that U.S. soybeans are a superior quality raw material for both feed and food use. However, in several markets, little is known about the possibilities to have U.S. bulk soybeans delivered in containers. This is particularly true in the case of Bulgaria, where the feed industry is more horizontally integrated and market is still fragmented. This fits perfectly with containerized shipments of U.S. soybeans because there is no requirement for a minimum quantity to be shipped. Customers can order from one container to hundreds. This offers the customers access to high quality soybeans and the shrinkage is lower,” Mr. Lynum told Bulgarian feed industry delegates attending the Feed Association Annual Conference in Varna, Bulgaria.
“In the meantime, sub regional European markets such as Bulgaria can generate additional sales for U.S. soy farmers and we would like to pursue the opportunities offered by the growing local feed and food industries,” Mr. Lynum added.

Field visits and meetings preceded conference participation for local traders and Bulgaria’s largest vegetal ingredients processor interested in containerized U.S. soybean imports. Discussions helped to identify bottlenecks for U.S. soy containerized imports to the country. Meetings, follow up, and initiating direct relationships between U.S. soy farmers and end users are key directions for the work of the USSEC consultants over the coming months in order to make things happen.