Cargill is set to take full ownership of SJC Bioenergia by acquiring the remaining 50% stake in the Brazilian sugar-energy company, marking a significant expansion of its role in the country’s renewable energy sector.
The acquisition, which remains subject to regulatory approval from Brazil’s Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE), would give Cargill full control over an asset it has co-owned since 2011. The move aligns with the company’s long-term strategy to deepen its presence in Brazil and strengthen its investment in sustainable energy production.
“As Cargill celebrates 60 years of operations in Brazil, it continues to believe and invest in the country and in Brazilian agriculture,” said Paulo Sousa, president of Cargill in Brazil. “Having SJC as a company 100% controlled by Cargill is an important reinforcement of our growth strategy in renewable energy.”
SJC Bioenergia, established in 2006, operates two agro-industrial facilities in the state of Goiás—Quirinópolis and Cachoeira Dourada. The company employs 4,500 people and produces ethanol, raw sugar, corn oil, and high-protein dried distillers’ grains (DDGs). It also generates electricity from biomass, contributing to Brazil’s renewable power grid.
Cargill’s planned acquisition reflects its continued confidence in the future of Brazilian agriculture and renewable resources. Over the past few years, the company has invested more than R$6.8 billion in its local operations.
Pending regulatory clearance and completion of contractual conditions, the deal will further position Cargill as a key player in Brazil’s bioenergy industry, in line with global shifts toward cleaner energy solutions.
