From ingredients to integration: Unlocking new possibilities with our chicken portfolio

For many food manufacturers across Europe, Cargill is a trusted partner for ingredients – from oils & fats to starches, texturizers, & sweeteners. But increasingly, customers are discovering that our capabilities go further than they may have realized.

Last year’s integration of our Protein (chicken) business into Cargill Food marks an important step forward – shaped by how you want to work with us, and designed to create more value in your day‑to‑day operations.

Driven by customer feedback

“This started with a very clear message from customers,” says Juan Jose. “You told us you value what we bring – but that we could be easier to work with.”

Historically, many customers worked with different Cargill teams across product categories. While this reflected the breadth of our portfolio, it could also create unnecessary complexity.

The integration responds directly to that feedback.

“We’re simplifying how we show up,” Juan Jose explains. “Our aim is to take that complexity away from you and come as one Cargill.”

For customers, that means fewer touchpoints, more connected conversations, and a clearer path from concept to finished product.

 

Accessing more of the Cargill portfolio

Alongside simplification, the integration opens up something equally important: access to a broader, more connected portfolio.

Many customers already rely on Cargill for multiple ingredients. But not all are aware that we can also deliver the chicken that goes into the same product.

“Customers trust us for oils, starches, and other ingredients,” says Juan Jose. “Now we can bring protein into that conversation much more directly.”

This changes the dynamic from supplying individual components to supporting complete product systems.

One product, many possibilities

The opportunity becomes clear when looking at a familiar example: chicken nuggets.

“A nugget is a simple product on the surface,” Juan Jose explains. “But it brings together multiple components – the chicken, the coating system, the oil used in frying, and often the ingredients in the sauce.”

Today, Cargill is already involved in many of these elements – but historically, in separate conversations.

“What’s changing is that we can now connect those together,” he says.

For you, our customers, that creates new possibilities:

• Aligning ingredients more effectively across the product.
• Optimizing performance from coating to frying.
• Simplifying development and sourcing.

It also enables a more holistic approach to innovation. 

Creating new opportunities through co-creation

At its core, this integration strengthens how we co-create with customers – something we have been doing in poultry for decades.

“We’ve always built solutions around what our customers need,” says Juan Jose. “Whether that’s a dedicated supply chain, a specific product format, or a new concept.”

Now, by bringing together protein with our broader ingredient portfolio, that co-creation can go further.

One area where this is already creating momentum is snacking, with 76% of European consumers stating that they snack once a day (Innova Market Insights snacking survey, 2026).

“Chicken has traditionally been focused on lunch and dinner,” Juan Jose notes. “But we see clear opportunities in new eating occasions like snacking.”

This includes concepts such as:

• Portable chicken formats designed for convenience.
• Bite-sized products for new consumption occasions.
• Differentiated offerings tailored to regional preferences.

“These are ideas we develop together with customers – identifying where there is unmet potential and bringing concepts to life.” 

Advancing innovation in coatings and applications

Integration also creates new opportunities in areas like coatings and product design.

“When you look at something like a coated chicken product, every element matters – from texture to adhesion to frying performance,” Juan Jose explains.

By working across protein, oils, and ingredient systems from the outset, customers can: 

RefinDevelop more differentiated products. 

“It allows us to move from optimizing individual elements to designing the product as a whole.” 

Supporting growth in private label

The integration is also helping unlock opportunities in private label, an area that continues to grow across Europe.

“We already have strong relationships with retailers, particularly through our oils business,” says Juan Jose. “Now we can build on that to support them in chicken too.”

Customers are increasingly looking to elevate private label – combining competitiveness with high quality.

“What we’re seeing is that we can now offer private label poultry solutions that match or exceed branded quality, while meeting the specific needs of each retailer.”

This opens new doors for collaboration and innovation across categories.

Built around what matters to you

A key strength of Cargill’s protein business in Europe has always been its customer-focused approach. 

“We design our supply chains around what our customers value most,” Juan Jose explains. 

For some, that means dedicated facilities and highly controlled supply chains. 
For others, it means flexibility and competitiveness through global sourcing. 

“What matters is that we adapt to your priorities.” 

This tailored model remains at the center of our approach – now enhanced through closer integration with the wider Cargill Food portfolio.

A balanced approach to sustainability

Sustainability continues to be an important topic for many customers, and one that requires a pragmatic and collaborative approach.

“Our role is to support customers in a way that aligns with their goals and their reality,” says Juan Jose.

By bringing together ingredients and protein, we can help customers take a more integrated view – while keeping the focus on practical, meaningful progress.

A broader partnership

Ultimately, this integration is about expanding what Cargill can do for you.

“The message is simple,” says Juan Jose. “We have more to offer – and we can bring it together in a way that makes it easier for you to use.”

For customers already working with Cargill, this represents an opportunity to:

• Access more of our portfolio through a single partner.
• Simplify how you develop and source products.
• Unlock new ideas through closer collaboration.

It also reinforces something that remains at the core of our business: our role as a co-creation partner. 

“We want customers to see us not just as a supplier,” Juan Jose concludes, “but as a partner who can help turn ideas into reality.”