Scoular is investing in a soybean dehuller at its Covington, Ohio, facility to support growing demand from food and beverage customers and create additional opportunities for producers supplying identity-preserved, non-GMO and organic soybeans.
The Covington facility has an established grower network and experienced team and serves as a supplier of food-grade soybeans for domestic and global markets. Its existing cleaning and color-sorting equipment make it well suited for a dehulling operation.
Scoular expects the dehuller to begin operating by mid-2027. Covington will become the company's second dehulling facility, following the addition of a dehuller at its Andres, Illinois, facility in 2023.
Demand for dehulled soybeans continues to grow as global consumer demand for plant-based beverages increases. Global demand for plant-based beverages is projected to grow by nearly 14% annually through 2032, according to Matt O'Hern, Scoular general manager.
Dehulled soybeans are used in a variety of plant-based foods and beverages, including soymilk. Manufacturers often prefer dehulled soybeans because they have a higher protein concentration and absorb water more quickly.
The Covington investment is expected to strengthen Scoular's ability to supply dehulled soybeans while expanding market opportunities for producers who supply specialty soybeans to the facility.
Source: Scoular, "Growing demand drives Scoular soybean dehuller expansion in Ohio"