Cargill donates disinfecting alcohol to Dutch government

Cargill, one of Europe’s largest alcohol producers, donates a first batch of 60,000 liters of disinfecting alcohol to the health sector in the Netherlands.  Through the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS) this will be distributed to hospitals and other healthcare institutions in the Netherlands where a shortage has arisen as a result of the COVID-19 crisis.  Niels Maijers, Coordinator National Corona Taskforce on behalf of the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport: “This enables us to ensure the availability of surface disinfection.”

Since the rapid global spread of the COVID-19 virus, the demand for disinfecting alcohol - to sanitize surfaces - has increased dramatically, and many health institutions throughout Europe are facing imminent shortages.  Last week Cargill decided to put its alcohol production in Europe at the service of this crisis and to make a first donation of 60,000 liters to the Dutch government.  This disinfecting alcohol is produced by its employees at Cargill’s Sas van Gent plant in Zeeland.

Last week a collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport was set up. The filling of 60,000 liters of disinfecting alcohol will begin in the middle of this week.  This will then be distributed across the healthcare sector to support hygiene.

Alain Dufait, Managing Director Cargill Europe: ”Cargill not only supplies essential food ingredients for humans and animals, but also alcohol for the drink and health industry.  Our people are working around the clock to keep our factories operating at full capacity across Europe.  It’s no easy task because at the same time, we’re also strengthening our hygiene measures so that our people can do their jobs safely.  We take our responsibility to continue to supply the food and health industry very seriously.  In addition, we want to do our bit to help the government to optimally support and care for all sick patients.  This will also enable medical staff to work more safely.“ 

The precise extent of demand for disinfecting alcohol in these unusual circumstances is still unclear, but Cargill will closely monitor demand so that we can expand deliveries where necessary. 

”We are also currently investigating how we can support the authorities in other European countries - such as Italy, Belgium and Germany - from our European factory network.  In the meantime, a global network has been set up within Cargill to supply the production companies with the necessary protective clothing and hygiene products so that our people can continue to work safely"

About Cargill Starches & Sweeteners Europe

Cargill Starches & Sweeteners Europe processes corn and wheat to manufacture a comprehensive collection of value-added products dedicated to the food and beverage, papermaking, corrugating, BioIndustrial, pharmaceutical, personal care and animal nutrition industries. We take a unique approach to each of these categories to enhance customer relationships and fuel sustainable growth. In the nutrition space, we focus on fiber and protein innovations, while our industrial offerings are designed to supply renewable solutions that drive value for our customers. Our portfolio of sweetness products is the largest and most diverse on the market, ranging from foundation sweeteners (glucose syrups, glucose-fructose syrups and dextroses) to low-caloric polyols and zero calorie stevia-based sweeteners. One of our core competences is to operate a reliable and sustainable supply chain, as can be demonstrated with the high quality potable alcohol we supply. Whatever the application, we help our customers thrive by delivering them valuable products and services.

About Cargill

Cargill’s 160,000 employees across 70 countries work relentlessly to achieve our purpose of nourishing the world in a safe, responsible and sustainable way. Every day, we connect farmers with markets, customers with ingredients, and people and animals with the food they need to thrive. We combine 154 years of experience with new technologies and insights to serve as a trusted partner for food, agriculture, financial and industrial customers in more than 125 countries. Side-by-side, we are building a stronger, sustainable future for agriculture.