USSEC recently provided trade and technical services to a Colombian soybean oil refinery.  Consultant Pedro Gonzalez visited a major refinery located in Buga.  This company processes U.S. soybeans to extract and refine soybean oil and also produces corn oil, olive oil, margarines, soy flour and texturized soybean protein (TSP).  The consultant toured the plant with the plant manager and gave recommendations on the process of oil extraction with hexane and the safe handling of this solvent.

Mr. Gonzalez met with directors and managers of purchasing, marketing, sales and new products to provide trade service on increasing the sales of soybean oil, soy flour and other soy derivatives.  The market for edible oils in Colombia is extremely diversified with many types of oils, sizes and brands.  Several examples of successful trade servicing provided by USSEC in the Americas Region were described and offered including a promotional campaign for the company’s soybean oil brands.