What SD Guthrie does

SD Guthrie Berhad (Bursa Malaysia: SDG) is one of the world's largest producers of Certified Sustainable Palm Oil (CSPO), generating approximately 12% of global CSPO volume (1.9 million metric tonnes in 2023). Headquartered in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, the company operates 232 plantation estates and 10 refineries across 12 countries—principally Malaysia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and Solomon Islands—and sells to customers in 86 countries. It traces its history to the 1821 founding of trading houses in Singapore by Alexander Guthrie, was brought under Malaysian control through PNB's 1981 Dawn Raid on the London Stock Exchange, formed through the 2007 merger of Kumpulan Guthrie, Golden Hope, and Sime Darby, listed on Bursa Malaysia in 2017, and rebranded from Sime Darby Plantation to SD Guthrie in 2024.

The company runs a fully vertically integrated palm oil value chain spanning cultivation (Fresh Fruit Bunches at 80 MT/hour mills totaling 480,000 MT/year), refining (Langat Refinery, 528,000 MT/year), kernel crushing (600 MT/day), and biodiesel production (210,000 MT/year of Palm Methyl Ester, UCOME, WME, FWME). Its technology stack includes proprietary GenomeSelect high-yield oil palm seeds (commercialized 2023 after the 2009 oil palm genome sequencing milestone), the Crosscheck traceability dashboard for 100% supply-chain visibility, Project Infinity mechanisation, an MTU & Robotics Centre (2022), Innovation Centre for Applications (2016), and on-site biogas (1.56 MWe) and solar (1,063.19 kWp) renewable energy assets. It is 100% RSPO- and MSPO-certified, achieved ISCC certification for biodiesel exports, and was the first palm oil company to receive full SBTi validation.

Revenue is generated primarily through B2B bulk commodity sales under long-term contracts to global food manufacturers, oleochemical producers, biodiesel blenders (for Malaysia B5/B7/B10 mandates and Europe/China exports), and livestock/aquaculture feed producers. Pricing is market-driven on physical CPO, CPKO, PKE, and PME volumes. Adjacent revenue streams include ELAEIS GARDENS eco-tourism (over 292,000 visitors), Golden Hope Academy training, ICA technical services, and the newly launched renewable energy and industrial park development verticals under the 2024 Beyond Zero framework. Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB), Malaysia's largest unit trust, is the strategic parent and major shareholder, alongside EPF and KWAP institutional ownership. The company employs over 82,000 people globally.

Name

SD Guthrie

Legal name

SD Guthrie Berhad

Website

https://sdguthrie.com

Company type

Public

Founded year

1821

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

5,001–10,000 employees

Short description

SD Guthrie is one of the world's largest producers of Certified Sustainable Palm Oil, operating 232 plantation estates across 12 countries and supplying bulk CSPO, palm kernel products, and biodiesel to food manufacturers, oleochemical producers, and energy companies in 86 countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Edible Oils & Fats Production

NAICS

Soybean and Other Oilseed Processing (311224)

SIC

Fats & Oils (2070)

akta.pro primary industry

Palm Oil Milling, Refining & Fractionation (AFAKAEAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Biofuel Plant EPC, O&M & Process Technology Providers (EUAAAHAK), Circular Economy & Resource Efficiency (BPADALAM)

Keywords

• Sustainable palm oil
• Crude palm kernel oil
• Palm methyl ester biodiesel
• Plantation management services
• Oleochemical feedstocks

Headquarters

HQ city

Petaling Jaya

HQ country

Malaysia

HQ region

Asia

Offices7 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Palm Oil Production and Sales: SD Guthrie derives over 90% of its output from palm oil. The company operates 232 plantation estates producing crude palm oil (CPO), crude palm kernel oil (CPKO), and palm kernel expeller (PKE), which are sold to food manufacturers, oleochemical producers, and energy companies globally. Revenue is generated through the sale of physical commodity volumes at market prices.
2. Biodiesel Production and Sales: The company's biodiesel plant at Carey Island (210,000 MT/year capacity) produces Palm Methyl Ester (PME) for domestic mandates (B5, B7, B10 blending) and ISCC-certified products for export (UCOME, WME, FWME). By-products include crude glycerin and Fatty Acid Distillates (FAD).
3. Kernel Crushing and Processing: The Kernel Crushing Plant (KCP) at Carey Island processes certified palm kernels into CPKO, Palm Kernel Expeller, and Premium PKE for livestock, poultry, aquaculture feed, oleochemical, and food industries (cosmetics, confectionery, non-dairy creamers).
4. Eco-Tourism and Hospitality: ELAEIS GARDENS (formerly Ecogardens) on Carey Island generates revenue through plantation-based eco-tourism experiences, heritage bungalow stays, event hosting, and recreational facilities. The destination has attracted over 292,000 visitors.
5. Renewable Energy: The company invests in renewable energy through solar and biogas projects on its landbank. Biogas (1.56 MWe) and solar rooftops (1,063.19 kWp) generate electricity under NEM and BOOT arrangements, creating new revenue streams.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

SD Guthrie is one of the world's largest producers of Certified Sustainable Palm Oil (CSPO), producing 12% of global CSPO with 1.9 million metric tonnes produced in 2023. The vertically integrated company operates 232 plantation estates across Malaysia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and Solomon Islands, supported by 10 refineries, producing crude palm oil (CPO), crude palm kernel oil (CPKO), palm kernel expeller (PKE), and Palm Methyl Ester (PME) biodiesel for food manufacturers, oleochemical companies, energy producers, and animal feed customers in 86 countries.

Product overview

SD Guthrie operates as an integrated palm oil company offering a comprehensive portfolio of products and services spanning the entire palm oil value chain. The company produces Certified Sustainable Palm Oil (CSPO) as its core product, generating 1.9 million metric tonnes annually and holding 12% global CSPO market share. Downstream offerings include Palm Methyl Ester (PME) biodiesel and Crude Palm Kernel Oil (CPKO), processed through company-owned mills and refineries including facilities at Carey Island. The company has diversified into eco-tourism through ELAEIS GARDENS, offers training via Golden Hope Academy, and provides innovation services through its Mechanisation Transformation Unit, Robotics Centre, and Innovation Centre for Applications (ICA). The 2024 rebranding introduced the 'Beyond Zero' sustainability framework alongside new verticals in renewable energy and industrial park development.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• ELAEIS GARDENS: Eco-tourism destination on Carey Island offering nature experiences, heritage stays, and plantation tours
• GenomeSelect
• Golden Hope Academy
• POLES
• Beyond Zero

Products and services

• Certified Sustainable Palm Oil (CSPO) SD Guthrie's flagship product is Certified Sustainable Palm Oil (CSPO), produced at scale across 232 plantation estates with full RSPO and MSPO certification, generating 1.9 million metric tonnes in 2023 (12% of global CSPO). Sold to food manufacturers, oleochemicals, and energy customers in 86 countries.
• GenomeSelect® Oil Palm Seeds Proprietary high-yielding oil palm seedling variety developed through SD Guthrie's R&D programme underpinned by the 2009 oil palm genome sequencing; commercialised in 2023 and recognised with the Edison Award Bronze Medal in Energy and Sustainability category. Boosts oil palm productivity without expanding land use.
• Palm Methyl Ester (PME) Biodiesel Biodiesel product manufactured at SD Guthrie International Biodiesel Plant at Carey Island with annual capacity of 210,000 metric tonnes, supplying Palm Methyl Ester (PME) under Malaysia's B5, B7, B10 blending mandates, and ISCC-certified UCOME, WME, and FWME for export to Europe and China.
• Crude Palm Kernel Oil (CPKO) High-quality crude palm kernel oil produced at the Kernel Crushing Plant (KCP) with 600 MT/day capacity, processing 100% RSPO and MSPO SCCS-certified palm kernels for sale to oleochemical companies in cosmetics, confectionery, and non-dairy creamer applications.
• Palm Kernel Expeller (PKE) and Premium PKE By-product of the Kernel Crushing Plant sold as animal feed ingredients to livestock, poultry, and aquaculture producers, including Premium PKE variants for higher-value feed markets.
• Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB) Processing Services Processing of fresh fruit bunches at East and West Oil Mills (Carey Island) with combined capacity of 80 metric tonnes per hour and ability to handle up to 480,000 metric tonnes of FFB annually, supplying crude palm oil to downstream operations.
• ELAEIS GARDENS Eco-Tourism Destination Plantation-based eco-tourism destination managed by SD Guthrie on Carey Island offering nature, heritage, and hospitality experiences including Plantation Museum, colonial heritage bungalows, an 18-hole golf course, biodiversity park, and recreational facilities for individual consumers, families, corporate groups, and students.
• Golden Hope Academy Training Programmes Training centre established in 1994 offering customised programmes in applied plantation management designed to balance theoretical knowledge with practical application for the palm oil industry workforce.
• Industrial Park Development Development of industrial parks on strategically located SD Guthrie land assets in collaboration with Malaysian state agencies and industry partners, announced in 2024 as a new business vertical.

Quantifiable outcome

• Produces 12% of all Certified Sustainable Palm Oil (CSPO) globally
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Cenergi West Sdn BhdminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2020Collaboration on a 1.56 MWe Biogas Engine at the West Oil Mill, Carey Island, under a Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) business model. Construction began March 2020; Commercial Operation Date achieved August 2021. Supports sustainable energy solutions and carbon reduction goals.
• ELAEIS GARDENSminorOthersSD Guthrie manages ELAEIS GARDENS (formerly Ecogardens), its eco-tourism and hospitality destination on Carey Island. The platform welcomes visitors including students, corporate professionals, ambassadors, and the general public for plantation experiences.
• Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSD Guthrie is a pioneer member of the RSPO ( Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) since 2004 and has achieved 100% RSPO certification for its mills. The RSPO certification is a key differentiator and market access requirement.
• Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSD Guthrie achieved 100% MSPO certification and is the largest producer of MSPO certified palm oil since 2018. The MSPO certification is a national sustainability standard required for Malaysian palm oil operations.
• SolidaridadminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSD Guthrie collaborates with NGOs including Solidaridad to support smallholders in Malaysia's palm oil industry, improving practices and sustainability. Success stories demonstrate increased yields and community leadership.
• CSS (unspecified research institution)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSD Guthrie partners with research institutions like CSS to improve smallholder practices and sustainability in Malaysia's palm oil supply chain.

Scale indicators15 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• First Resources: Indonesia-based palm oil producer with plantation, milling, and refining operations in Indonesia. Direct competitor in upstream palm oil production and processing, with comparable sustainability certification focus.
• Kuala Lumpur Kepong (KLK): Malaysian plantation group with palm oil, rubber, and oleochemical operations across Malaysia, Indonesia, and other geographies. Comparable to SD Guthrie in plantation scale, refining capacity, and downstream oleochemical exposure.
• FGV Holdings: Malaysian palm oil producer with one of the largest landbanks among listed peers, integrated into milling, refining, and downstream. Directly competes with SD Guthrie in Malaysian CSPO production and is similarly MSPO/RSPO certified.
• IOI Corporation: Malaysian integrated palm oil producer with plantation, milling, refining, and oleochemical operations. Closely comparable to SD Guthrie in upstream-downstream integration, sustainability certification profile, and customer mix in food and oleochemical markets.
• Golden Agri-Resources (GAR): Singapore-listed integrated palm oil company with extensive Indonesian plantations, refining, and downstream operations. Comparable to SD Guthrie in scale of CSPO production, vertically integrated value chain, and global customer reach in food and biodiesel.
• Wilmar International: The world's largest palm oil processor and merchandiser, with vertically integrated operations from plantations to refining, oleochemicals, and biodiesel. Directly comparable to SD Guthrie in core palm oil processing, refining, and downstream derivatives with similar global customer base.

Broad incumbents

• Cargill: Global agribusiness giant with palm oil sourcing, trading, and downstream processing. Competes with SD Guthrie in global palm oil distribution, food manufacturer supply, and biofuel feedstock, but as a multi-commodity diversified incumbent.
• Bunge Limited: Global agribusiness and food ingredients major with palm oil refining, oilseed processing, and trading operations. Overlaps with SD Guthrie in vegetable oil processing and food manufacturer customer base as a broad incumbent in global oils.

Emerging players

• Musim Mas: Privately held Indonesian integrated palm oil group with plantation, milling, refining, and biodiesel operations. Comparable in vertical integration and biodiesel focus, though smaller and not publicly listed.

Regional players

• Astra Agro Lestari: Indonesian palm oil producer with extensive Sumatra, Kalimantan, and Sulawesi estates. Operates as a regional peer in the Indonesian palm oil market where SD Guthrie's Minamas Plantation is exposed.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat7 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@SDGuthrieBerhad
• Facebookfacebook.com/sdguthrieberhad
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/sd-guthrie-berhad
• Instagraminstagram.com/sdguthrieberhad
• TikToktiktok.com/@sdguthrieberhad

Compliance6 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Subsidiaries5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about SD Guthrie