Wilmar International Company Profile and Recognition

Wilmar International is a leading agribusiness company with a rich history. Founded in 1991 by Kuok Khoon Hong, it has grown to become one of the largest palm oil producers in the world.

Wilmar International is headquartered in Singapore and has a global presence in over 90 countries. Its operations span across the entire palm oil supply chain, from oil palm cultivation to refining and distribution.

The company has received numerous awards and recognitions for its sustainability efforts, including the Sustainability Award at the 2019 World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) Gala.

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Wilmar International's business operations are truly impressive. The company has a significant presence in the palm oil industry, with a production capacity of 6.8 million tons of crude palm oil per year.

Wilmar International operates in over 90 countries, making it a truly global player. The company has a diverse portfolio of businesses, including palm oil, sugar, grains, and edible oils.

A unique perspective: Malaysian Palm Oil Board

Wilmar International's palm oil business is a major contributor to the company's revenue. In 2020, palm oil accounted for 63% of the company's total revenue.

The company's business operations are supported by a strong logistics and transportation network. Wilmar International has a fleet of over 1,000 trucks and 200 barges, which enable the company to efficiently transport its products.

Wilmar International's commitment to sustainability is reflected in its business operations. The company has implemented various initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, including the use of renewable energy and sustainable land use practices.

Wilmar International has faced numerous criticisms for its environmental and social practices. In 2004, the company's palm oil operations in Sumatra Riau were found to be on protected peatland forests, despite receiving permission to plant there in 1997.

Locals claim that the plantation endangers the Sumatran tiger population, leading to conflict with Wilmar. Wilmar later sold the operation and joined the WWF Palm Oil Association.

The company has also been accused of starting forest fires and violating the rights of local populations. In 2007, Friends of the Earth and local environmental organizations criticized Wilmar's illegal forest felling in Kalimantan, Indonesia.

As a result, Wilmar agreed to implement new measures and policies. However, in 2013, a WWF report found that Wilmar was purchasing palm oil fruit grown illegally in Tesso Nilo National Park, Sumatra.

Wilmar and another company, Asian Agri, took action to stop this illegal sourcing. Despite this, Greenpeace International reported in 2018 that Wilmar is "the biggest and dirtiest palm oil trader in the world".

Wilmar has also faced allegations of human rights abuses on its plantations and refineries in Indonesia. In 2016, Amnesty International reported that the company profited from child labor and forced labor, as well as exposing workers to toxic chemicals.

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Wilmar International has made significant strides in sustainability with its NDPE Initiatives. On December 5, 2013, the company committed to a No Deforestation, No Peat & No Exploitation Policy (NDPE policy) for both its own operations and third-party suppliers.

This commitment was a major transformational step towards responsible and sustainable palm oil development, with preliminary analysis estimating that it would eliminate more than 1.5Gt CO2 emissions between 2016 and 2020. Wilmar's commitment was also recognized globally, with the company being hailed as the first major palm oil player to ensure its supply chain is de-linked from any forest destruction and human rights abuse.

In 2015, Wilmar won the Special Recognition Award at the Singapore Apex CSR Awards 2015, organized by the Global Compact Network Singapore, Singapore Business Federation, and The Business Times.

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Wilmar committed to a No Deforestation, No Peat & No Exploitation Policy (NDPE policy) on 5 December 2013. This policy applies to both its own operations and third-party suppliers.

Wilmar promised to stop buying from suppliers who cleared forest, drained peat land, or exploited locals. This was a significant step towards responsible and sustainable palm oil development.

The preliminary analysis estimated that Wilmar's commitment would eliminate more than 1.5Gt CO2 emissions in total between 2016 and 2020.

Wilmar won the Special Recognition Award at the Singapore Apex CSR Awards 2015. This award was organized by the Global Compact Network Singapore, Singapore Business Federation, and The Business Times.

The award recognized Wilmar's efforts to ensure its supply chain is de-linked from forest destruction and human rights abuse. This achievement made Wilmar the first major palm oil player to take such a step.

For your interest: Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award

Wilmar International was formed through a significant merger in 2007, involving a US$4.3-billion deal between PPB Oils and Wilmar.

The Kuok family, along with Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) and China National Cereals, Oils and Foodstuffs Import & Export Corporation (COFCO), played a key role in this merger. ADM became Wilmar International's second-largest shareholder as a result.

Through this partnership, Wilmar International gained access to a broader range of resources and expertise, enabling it to expand its operations and reach new markets.

Wilmar International Limited is based in Singapore, Central Singapore.

The company's headquarters is located in a central part of the city, likely making it easily accessible for employees and partners.

Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) became Wilmar International's second largest shareholder through a merger in 2007.

This merger involved a significant investment, totaling $4.3 billion.

Wilmar International's revenue is projected to decline from $67,379 million in 2024 to $61,480 million in 2025, and further to $60,557 million in 2026.

The company's net profit is expected to remain relatively stable, with a slight increase from $1,185 million in 2024 to $1,280 million in 2026.

Wilmar International's profit growth rate is projected to turn positive in 2026, with a growth rate of 8.9% compared to a decline of 24.2% in 2024.

Here are some key statistics for Wilmar International:

Wilmar International was ordered to pay $709 million in a cooking oil case in September 2025, and had previously put $729 million as a security deposit related to the same case in June 2025.

The company's earnings improved quarterly in 2025, with a 42% year-over-year increase in 2Q24 earnings, and more expected in 2H24.

Wilmar International faces a significant risk if it avoids massive penalties from Indonesia's cooking oil case.

If Wilmar manages to sidestep substantial fines, its share price may be able to catch up with its upstream palm oil peers for the rest of the year.