ROTTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS — Louis Dreyfus Company BV (LDC) on June 17 launched “LDC Innovations,” a new corporate venture capital program the company described as an essential element in its strategic plans to reinforce its position as a key value chain participant.

“This program is another positive step in our strategic growth plans, as part of which we are investing in innovations and technologies that can help meet increasing global demand for healthy, nutritious products that are responsibly sourced and produced,” said Ian McIntosh, chief executive officer of LDC. “Over the coming months, we will invest in early-stage companies with the potential to transform the food and agriculture industries. Most importantly, we will support businesses that share our vision for a safe and sustainable future through transparent supply chains, responsible sourcing and long-term value creation.”

Max Clegg has been chosen to manage the program as head of LDC Innovations, as part of LDC’s Innovations and Downstream team, to be led by Thomas Couteaudier in addition to his existing responsibilities as head of the South and Southeast Asia Region.

“Max brings significant experience to the program, and will play a key role in building long-term, productive relationships with companies in the LDC Innovations portfolio,” Couteaudier said.

Companies interested in the LDC Innovations corporate venture capital program are invited to direct enquiries to innovation@ldc.com.

Structured as a matrix organization of six geographical regions and eight platforms, LDC is active in more than 100 countries and employs approximately 18,000 people globally.