Farmer-owned co-op CHS opens office in Seoul, South Korea, to reach customers, expand market for member-owners' corn, soybeans, wheat, more

Tracy McDonald

ST. PAUL, Minnesota , November 7, 2011 (press release) – CHS Inc. (NASDAQ: CHSCP), the nation's leading cooperative, today announced it has opened an office in Seoul, South Korea, intended to strengthen business with that nation's growing customer base. "Korea is an important, strategic demand base for corn, soybeans, wheat and distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS)," says Brian Schouvieller, CHS vice president of international business.  "CHS has done business in Korea for many years. With this office, Korean customers will further gain acceptance of our farmer-owned business model.  We plan to build on that base to serve more Korean customers and expand this market for our member-owners."

Charles Kim, who will manage the CHS Korea office, will be responsible for further building customer relationships and risk management.   Prior to joining CHS, Kim was general manager and president of Cargill Korea Limited and also held an oilseed processing merchandising and risk management position for Cargill in the United States.    

CHS growth in Asia-Pacific markets like Korea is a key component to adding volume and market access for long-term stakeholder value.  "Expanding our global capabilities and footprint in agriculture and energy commodities is one of the company's strategic aspirations," Schouvieller said.

CHS also has international marketing offices in Argentina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Hungary, Jordan, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Spain, Switzerland and Ukraine.  

CHS Inc.  is the nation's leading cooperative, owned by farmers, ranchers and co-ops across the United States.  A diversified energy, grains and foods business and a Fortune 100 company, CHS is committed to providing the essential resources that enrich lives around the world. CHS supplies energy, crop nutrients, grain, livestock feed, food and food ingredients, along with business solutions including insurance, financial and risk management services. The company operates petroleum refineries/pipelines and manufactures, markets and distributes Cenex® brand refined fuels, lubricants, propane and renewable energy products. CHS preferred stock is listed on the NASDAQ at CHSCP.

* All content is copyrighted by Industry Intelligence, or the original respective author or source. You may not recirculate, redistrubte or publish the analysis and presentation included in the service without Industry Intelligence's prior written consent. Please review our terms of use.