Sumitomo Chemical to Expand Methionine Distribution Collaboration with ITOCHU
Enhancing the Competitiveness of Sumitomo Chemical's Methionine Business by Leveraging ITOCHU's Strong Network Spanning More Than 70 Countries Across the Globe

Feb. 27, 2025

Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd. (“Sumitomo Chemical”) has reached an agreement with ITOCHU Corporation (“ITOCHU”) to sell all of the feed additive methionine produced at its Ehime Work through ITOCHU distribution network, starting April 2025. This is an expansion of the existing methionine distribution collaboration between the two companies.

Methionine is an essential amino acid that animals cannot synthesize on their own. It is widely used as a feed additive in the livestock industry, mainly for poultry and pork feed, to increase the production of meat, because the feed, which is made mainly from corn and soybean meal, often does not contain sufficient amounts of methionine. Demand for methionine has grown at an annual rate of approximately 4 percent in recent years, and is expected to continue to grow at a similar pace.

Since April 2017, Sumitomo Chemical and ITOCHU have collaborated in methionine distribution, with Sumitomo Chemical selling part of the methionine it produces through ITOCHU. This collaboration combines Sumitomo Chemical’s cost-competitive, integrated production operation that spans from raw material inputs to finished methionine, with ITOCHU’s strong global distribution network and many years of experience in supply chain management.

Sumitomo Chemical and ITOCHU have agreed to build on this existing framework to expand their collaboration. Sumitomo Chemical will sell all of the methionine it produces through ITOCHU distribution network, and the two companies will further strengthen the methionine distribution network spanning more than 70 countries and work as one team to meet the increasing global demand for meat. By collaborating with ITOCHU, which has an excellent logistics and distribution network as well as global sales force with a wealth of experience, Sumitomo Chemical will enhance the competitiveness of its methionine business.

Sumitomo Chemical will continue to contribute to achieving a stable food supply on a global scale by providing its made-in-Japan methionine, which is well regarded for its high quality and reliable supply.

Contact

Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd.
Corporate Communications Dept.
https://www.sumitomo-chem.co.jp/english/contact/public/