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Kernel Holding set a new benchmark in its sunflower seed processing operations during financial year 2026, crushing a record 2.7 million tons of sunflower seeds. The oilseeds processing segment delivered a 6% rise in EBITDA to $156 million, according to the company's annual report for FY2026.
In aggregate, Kernel processed 3.2 million tons of oilseeds, marking an 8% decline year-on-year. The drop in total throughput was driven by a sunflower shortage in Ukraine. Despite this, the company's processing capacity utilization held steady at 83%.
To partially offset the sunflower shortfall, Kernel ramped up processing of other oilseeds. Over the year, its plants processed 308 thousand tons of soybeans and 165 thousand tons of rapeseed, totaling 473 thousand tons, up 4% compared with the prior year.
Although processing volumes contracted overall, sales of edible oils rose 3% to 1.445 million tons. Segment revenue climbed 13% to $2.384 billion, while EBITDA increased 6% to $156 million. EBITDA per ton of oil sold stood at $108 per ton, 3% higher than in FY2025.
The company attributed the improved financial performance to higher prices for vegetable oils and meal, which partially offset elevated raw material costs. Additional margin support came from the increasing incorporation of security and logistical risks into market prices. By comparison, the segment's EBITDA was $148 million in FY2025.
Source: Новини аграрного бізнесу