Cargill marks 30 years of Gemini with Kurkumbh plant showcase
The company opens its Kurkumbh facility to highlight quality standards while wider market shifts affect edible oil demand.
INDIA – Cargill has marked 30 years of its Gemini edible oil brand by opening its Kurkumbh plant in Maharashtra to the public, even as new market pressures begin to reshape India’s edible oil sector.
The company hosted the visit under the leadership of vice president and managing director for South Asia, Dheeraj Talreja. The event brought together consumers, media, and public figures, including Marathi actor Priya Bapat, who shared her experience with the brand.
Cargill used the visit to show its manufacturing process, food safety systems, and product quality checks.
Talreja said the company will continue to grow its edible oils business in India, with a strong focus on Maharashtra. The state remains one of its key markets due to high demand for oils such as sunflower, soybean, groundnut, and cottonseed.
Cargill has operated the Kurkumbh plant since 2005, where more than 500 workers handle refining and packaging.
“With a strong legacy of over 30 years, Gemini is known for its unshakable consumer trust and superior product quality. As we look ahead, the brand is evolving into a future-ready edible oils platform, rooted in Indian traditions while adapting to modern consumers through premiumisation, digital engagement, and next-generation distribution channels,” said Talreja.
At the same time, a new report from Crisil Ratings shows that India’s sunflower oil segment may face a drop in demand. The report states that refined sunflower oil sales could fall by about 10 percent in the current financial year.
Supply delays linked to conflict in West Asia and higher shipping costs have pushed prices up, forcing many consumers to turn to cheaper options such as soybean and rice bran oil.
Import costs have also risen. Crude sunflower oil now sells at about US$1,420 to US$1,440 per tonne, up from an average of about US$1,275 per tonne last year. At the retail level, prices have reached ₹170 to ₹175 per litre, which equals about US$2.04 to US$2.10 per litre, compared to around ₹150 per litre, or about US$1.80, earlier this year.
India depends heavily on imports from Russia and Ukraine for sunflower oil. Ongoing tensions have forced ships to take longer routes, which has increased both transit time and freight costs. Insurance costs have also risen in high-risk areas, adding further pressure on prices.
The report also notes that stock levels among refiners have dropped to 20 to 30 days, down from the usual 30 to 45 days. While this has helped release some working capital, longer disruptions could tighten supply even more.
These shifts come at a time when companies like Cargill are working to strengthen their position in a market that continues to change due to global supply risks and rising costs.
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