The Food Ingredients & Applications segment was up slightly from the year-ago period; it also was the largest contributor to second-quarter results. Demand in some product lines improved appreciably. For example, markets for cocoa powder saw firmer demand and sales volume, while increased U.S. corn supplies lifted domestic and export demand for ethanol. Still, many segment businesses experienced softer demand and sales volumes due to the sluggishness remaining in parts of the global economy.
Earnings in Animal Nutrition & Protein rose significantly. Improved profitability among the animal nutrition units was linked to lower input costs, good price risk management and a well-managed mix of bulk, specialty and customized animal feeds. The animal protein businesses also realized the effects of new-crop supplies, which eased last year’s high feeding costs. Larger export volumes and increased operating efficiencies also contributed to stronger results, especially in beef processing.
Agricultural Supply Chain results decreased from the year-ago period, due in part to an industrywide buildup in oilseed crush capacity that reduced crush volumes in certain markets, including South America. In North America, profits increased due to higher grain handling and export volumes, along with renewed demand for grain marketing products.