The South American oils and fats industry: present situation and recent developments

Abstract

The current situation of the oils and fats industry in South America is discussed. Aspects covered include: general aspects of the South American industry; production of principal oils (covering soybean, sunflower, corn, peanut, olive, palm, lauric, coconut, babassu, palm kernel and Paraguayan palm oils); production of hydrogenated oils, margarines and non-caloric substitutes; production for the soap industry; current research into vegetable oils (covering studies on sunflower oil, new palm oils, avocado oil, cocoa butter and mango seed fat); studies on fat and cholesterol in meat; studies on oil stability and use of antioxidants; and specialized publications and regional trade associations for the industry.