Saipol
Saipol is the French leader in oilseed processing, transforming 3.4 million tonnes of rapeseed and sunflower annually into vegetable oils, protein meals, biodiesel, and bio-based products for food, animal nutrition, transport, and chemicals industries.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1983
- HeadquartersGrand-couronne, France
- Headcount501–1,000
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Saipol does
Saipol is the French leader in oilseed processing and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Groupe Avril, founded in 1983 to industrialize the French rapeseed and sunflower value chain. The company operates an end-to-end crushing, refining, and transformation platform that processes 3.4 million tonnes of rapeseed and sunflower seeds annually across six industrial sites (Grand-Couronne, Lezoux, Le Mériot, Dieppe, Sète, Verdun) and two port terminals (Bassens-Bordeaux, Sète), producing 1.8 million tonnes of protein meal for animal feed, 0.9 million tonnes of refined and pre-treated vegetable oils for food and industry, and 1 million tonnes of renewable energies — primarily biodiesel (Diester) and B100 biofuel (Oleo100) for transport decarbonization.
The company monetizes across three primary revenue streams: industrial B2B sales of commodities and specialty products (vegetable oils, protein meals, glycerin, lecithins); renewable energy sales via Oleo100 direct-to-fleet-operator relationships and the 7-8% mandated Diester blend in French diesel; and digital/transactional revenue through the Oleomarket.fr marketplace (OleoZE for seed sourcing with GES bonus payments, Feedmarket for meal purchasing). Pricing is unit-based and B2B with notable published figures of €600/tonne for camelina intermediate crop seeds and GES bonuses averaging €20-40/tonne paid to farmers. Saipol's vertically integrated model links upstream regenerative agriculture (Empreinte by Saipol, 1,000+ farmers, 11,000+ documented sustainable practices) to downstream certified low-carbon products (10-50% GHG reduction for food oils; 60-80% CO2 reduction for Oleo100) with independently verified carbon data.
Recent strategic positioning has focused on three vectors: transport decarbonization (Oleo100 Bas GES targeting 80% GHG reduction launched in 2026; DUPESSEY&CO as flagship customer consuming 750,000+ liters); sustainable aviation fuel feedstock (Jetsun sunflower, camelina intermediate crops, HEFA processing); and food protein extension via the OLATEIN joint venture with DSM-Firmenich producing CanolaPRO at Dieppe. Strategic acquisitions of Champlor (Verdun, Feb 2026) and SPBS port silo (Bordeaux, June 2026), plus the PepsiCo partnership committing up to 60% of volumes to the Empreinte program, indicate active expansion despite a recent restructuring at Montoir-de-Bretagne that closed biodiesel production and eliminated 33 positions.
Saipol firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Saipol
- Legal name
- SAIPOL S.A.S.
- Website
- https://saipol.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1983
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 501–1,000 employees
- Short description
- Saipol is the French leader in oilseed processing, transforming 3.4 million tonnes of rapeseed and sunflower annually into vegetable oils, protein meals, biodiesel, and bio-based products for food, animal nutrition, transport, and chemicals industries.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Saipol industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Oilseed Processing and Biofuel Manufacturing
- NAICS
- Soybean and Other Oilseed Processing (311224), Fats and Oils Refining and Blending (311225), Starch and Vegetable Fats and Oils Manufacturing (31122)
- SIC
- Fats & Oils (2070)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Vegetable Oil Crushing & Refining (Soy, Canola/Rapeseed, Sunflower, Corn, Cottonseed) (AFAKAEAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Commodity Edible Vegetable Oils (Refined/Bleached/Deodorized) (AFAJALAA), High-Oleic & Specialty Oilseed Oils (AFAJALAC)
Keywords
Where Saipol is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Grand-couronne
- HQ country
- France
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices9 records
Markets served
Saipol business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Vegetable Oils: Sale of crude, pre-treated, and refined vegetable oils from rapeseed and sunflower to food industry clients and oil companies for co-refining. Includes specialty oils under the Empreinte by Saipol program.
- Protein Meals (Tourteaux): Sale of protein-rich rapeseed and sunflower meal to livestock farmers and feed manufacturers via the Feedmarket digital platform.
- Renewable Energies (Biodiesel/Oleo100): Production and sale of biodiesel (Diester) and B100 biofuel (Oleo100) to transport companies, local authorities, and energy companies. Oleo100 Bas GES provides minimum 80% GHG reduction.
- Vegetable Glycerin: Crude vegetable glycerin co-product from biodiesel/energy production, sold to cosmetics and chemical industries.
- Lecithins: Sunflower and rapeseed lecithins produced and commercialized by specialized subsidiaries within the Avril group.
- GES Bonus / Carbon Bonus: Revenue from sale of low-carbon energies enables payment of GES bonuses to farmers for sustainable agricultural practices. 11,000 sustainable practices valued; 20 million euros reversed to upstream agricultural sector via bonuses averaging 29 euros/tonne.
- Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF): Production of feedstock oils from intermediate crops (Jetsun sunflower, camelina) for SAF via HEFA process, targeting aviation sector decarbonation.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Cameline seeds in interculture |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | GES Bonus for oilseeds |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels6 records
Saipol product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Saipol is the French leader in oilseed processing, transforming 3.4 million tonnes of rapeseed and sunflower annually into refined and pre-treated vegetable oils for the food industry, protein-rich meals for animal feed, and renewable biofuels (biodiesel Diester and Oleo100 B100) for transport decarbonation. It also produces vegetable glycerin and lecithins, and is developing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) feedstock via intermediate crops (Jetsun, camelina). Its Oleomarket.fr platform connects farmers/cooperatives and feed manufacturers while OleoZE pays GES bonuses to farmers practicing regenerative agriculture.
Product overview
Saipol is a multi-product platform offering vegetable oil processing (crude, pre-treated, and refined oils from rapeseed and sunflower), vegetable proteins (protein-rich meal for animal feed), renewable energies (biodiesel Diester and Oleo100 biofuel), vegetable glycerine, and lecithins. The company operates digital platforms including Oleomarket (integrating OleoZE for sustainable seed sourcing with bonus GES payments and Feedmarket for protein meal purchasing), and sustainability programs like Empreinte by Saipol for regenerative agriculture-based low-carbon oils. Saipol also develops specialty intermediate crops (Jetsun sunflower, cameline) for sustainable aviation fuel production. Key brands include Oleo100 (100% French rapeseed B100 biofuel), Diester (French biodiesel), and CanolaPRO (rapeseed protein for human food via Avril-DSM joint venture).
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Oleo100: 100% French rapeseed biofuel (B100) for captive fleet trucks, reducing CO2 emissions by 60% and particulate emissions by up to 80%
- OleoZE
- Feedmarket
- Diester
- Empreinte by Saipol
- Oleomarket
- Oleo100 Bas GES
- Jetsun
- Cameline
Products and services
- Huiles végétales (Vegetable Oils)
- Protéines végétales (Plant Proteins / Tourteaux) Rapeseed and sunflower meal (tourteaux) rich in plant proteins, sold to livestock farmers and feed manufacturers, with commercial reach extended via the Feedmarket digital marketplace.
- Diester (Biodiesel) French-made biodiesel from rapeseed oil, incorporated at 7-8% in standard diesel blends in France, with over 50% of esters exported to European and Scandinavian markets.
- Oleo100 (B100 Rapeseed Biofuel) 100% French rapeseed B100 biofuel for captive truck fleets enabling 60% CO2 reduction and up to 80% fine particle emission reduction without engine modifications; deployable on existing fleet infrastructure.
- Oleo100 Bas GES (Next-Generation Low-GHG Biofuel) Next-generation Oleo100 variant delivering minimum 80% GHG emissions reduction versus fossil diesel, built on the Empreinte by Saipol regenerative agriculture program.
- Glycérine végétale (Vegetable Glycerin) Crude vegetable glycerin commercialized as a co-product from the transformation of vegetable oils into biodiesel or Oleo100, for use in cosmetics and chemical industries.
- Lécithines (Lecithins) Sunflower and rapeseed lecithins produced by Saipol and commercialized by specialized subsidiaries within the Avril group.
- OleoZE (Low-Carbon Sourcing Service with GES Bonus) Digital sourcing solution enabling farmers and collecting organizations to supply oilseeds from conservation agriculture and receive bonus GES payments for sustainable practices (averaging 20-40 euros/tonne), with farm-level agronomic traceability integrated into Saipol's renewable energy markets.
- Feedmarket (Protein Meal Marketplace) Digital marketplace platform enabling livestock farmers and feed manufacturers to purchase protein-rich rapeseed and sunflower meal directly, with over 270,000 tonnes commercialized via more than 9,000 trucks.
- Oleomarket.fr (Oilseed and Meal Marketplace) Digital marketplace integrating OleoZE low-carbon seed sourcing and Feedmarket protein-meal purchasing services, connecting farmers and collecting organizations with feed manufacturers.
- Empreinte by Saipol (Low-Carbon Oils Program) Program offering a new generation of sustainable, low-carbon vegetable oils from regenerative agriculture, with South Pole-certified carbon data and RSE reporting for industrial food-sector clients, delivering 10-50% GHG emission reductions versus standard oils.
- Jetsun (Intermediate Sunflower Variety for SAF) Early-maturing sunflower variety cultivated during intercrop periods (between main cropping seasons) to produce feedstock for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) via the HEFA process without competing with food production.
- Cameline (Camelina Intermediate Crop) Camelina sativa cultivated in summer intercropping for SAF production, with yields around 10 q/ha and very low input requirements (zero pesticide treatment frequency index). Saipol pays 600 euros/tonne with a harvest guarantee in case of crop failure.
- CanolaPRO (Rapeseed Protein Isolate) High-quality rapeseed protein isolate for human food applications (vegan/vegetarian meat and dairy alternatives, beverages, bakery), produced through the OLATEIN joint venture at the Dieppe site.
Quantifiable outcome
- 3.4 million tonnes of rapeseed and sunflower seeds processed annually
- +11 more outcomes
Companies that use Saipol
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Saipol technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature6 records
Saipol partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- InVivo Grains (SPBS/Silo Portuaire de Bordeaux Saipol)minorAcquisition of 95% of SPBS (formerly SPBL), a 12-hectare port storage facility at Bassens near Saipol's Bordeaux industrial zone. Expanded to 100% on June 24, 2026. Provides storage capacity and port access for seeds and meal logistics.
- PepsiCocorePartnership on regenerative agriculture. Commitment for 2027-2030: up to 60% of volumes to PepsiCo via Empreinte program; 30% carbon intensity reduction. Both have SBTi-aligned climate trajectories. Joint table round at Salon International de l'Agriculture 2026 on accelerating regenerative agriculture.
- Valtris (Champlor plant)minorAcquisition of Champlor industrial plant at Verdun from Valtris. Plant processes ~400,000 tonnes/year of rapeseed from Grand-Est region. Strengthens Saipol's industrial footprint at one of France's main rapeseed production basins.
- AgroinvestcoreStrategic partnership with Greek agro-food and bioenergy company to develop Mediterranean value chain for oils, protein meal, and biofuels. Addresses protein deficit in Mediterranean region while complementing Saipol's French processing activities. Includes shared expertise and organizational strengthening.
- Yara FranceminorPartnership to promote low-carbon rapeseed value chain in France, supporting sustainable agricultural practices and fertilizer optimization.
- OleoZE Partner Collecting OrganizationscoreNetwork of certified collecting organizations (organismes stockeurs) sourcing OleoZE oilseeds and providing on-the-ground farmer support for sustainable practice transitions. Seven certified collecting organizations engaged as of 2024.
- Programme Impact PartnersminorDurable engagement program for collecting organizations to support farmer transition and scale up volumes of low-carbon seeds. Built to complement OleoZE with technical accompaniment of engaged farmers.
- Axéréal (Centre Grains Sète acquisition)minorSaipol acquired Centre Grains on the port of Sète from Axéréal and minority shareholders, strengthening Mediterranean port logistics for seed and meal handling.
- Initiative 4 pour 1000minorOleoZE contributes to the international '4 per 1000' initiative demonstrating the potential of agricultural soils for carbon sequestration, aligning with regenerative agriculture principles.
- Renault TrucksminorCommercial partnership for Oleo100 fuel. Renault Trucks manufactures trucks with engines designed to operate on 100% rapeseed biofuel. Joint commercial offer with VIVESCIA for fleet operators.
- DSM (Royal DSM, now DSM-Firmenich)coreStrategic joint venture OLATEIN (Avril 25%, DSM 75%) to produce CanolaPRO™ rapeseed protein isolate for human food at Saipol's Dieppe site. Includes new crushing unit, protein extraction facility, and biomethane production unit. Target: first production Q1 2022. Creates new employment at Dieppe site.
- South PolecoreEmission calculation method for Empreinte by Saipol certified by South Pole, providing independent verification of carbon data for industrial clients' RSE reporting.
Scale indicators20 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Saipol competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Bunge: Global oilseed processor and trader following its merger with Viterra. Operates European crushing and refining assets that overlap with Saipol's rapeseed/sunflower platform, including downstream biodiesel and protein meal exposure.
- CropEnergies: European bioethanol producer (Südzucker subsidiary) operating renewable fuel plants across Europe. Comparable to Saipol in EU biofuel market exposure, sustainability certification, and food-versus-fuel dynamics.
- Louis Dreyfus Company: Privately held global merchandiser and processor of oilseeds, grains, and related by-products. Directly comparable to Saipol in French/European oilseed origination, refining, and value-added downstream oils, meals, and biodiesel.
- Verbio: German producer of biodiesel, bioethanol, and biomethane from agricultural feedstocks. Closely comparable to Saipol's specialty biodiesel and renewable energy positioning, particularly around B100-style products and EU RED-driven decarbonization.
- Archer Daniels Midland (ADM): One of the world's largest oilseed processors with extensive European crushing capacity and biodiesel production. Competes with Saipol across oilseed origination, refining, and biofuel value chains serving food, feed, and energy customers.
- Tereos: French agricultural cooperative producing sugar, ethanol, and bioenergy from crops; comparable to Saipol's French agricultural value chain, biofuel exposure, and protein co-product monetization for animal feed markets.
- Cargill: Global agricultural commodity giant with major oilseed crushing and refining operations across Europe including France. Directly comparable to Saipol in rapeseed/sunseed processing, refined oils, biodiesel, and protein meal for animal feed.
Broad incumbents
- Neste: Global leader in renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel with much larger scale and broader feedstock slate. Comparable to Saipol's renewable energy stream (Diester/Oleo100) and emerging SAF ambitions, but operates at a wider portfolio level.
- TotalEnergies: Integrated French energy major with significant French biofuel production, blending, and renewable diesel capacity. Overlaps with Saipol's Diester and Oleo100 commercial positioning toward French transport and energy customers.
- Südzucker: European sugar and bioethanol producer with diversified agricultural processing. Comparable to Saipol in European agricultural commodity processing, biofuel production, and protein co-product exposure to feed markets.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Saipol social profiles
Digital presenceSaipol compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance3 records
Saipol financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Saipol leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles8 records
Saipol subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries4 records
Saipol funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Saipol M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A1 record
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Saipol
What does Saipol do?
Saipol is the French leader in oilseed processing, transforming 3.4 million tonnes of rapeseed and sunflower annually into refined and pre-treated vegetable oils for the food industry, protein-rich meals for animal feed, and renewable biofuels (biodiesel Diester and Oleo100 B100) for transport decarbonation. It also produces vegetable glycerin and lecithins, and is developing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) feedstock via intermediate crops (Jetsun, camelina). Its Oleomarket.fr platform connects farmers/cooperatives and feed manufacturers while OleoZE pays GES bonuses to farmers practicing regenerative agriculture.
Is Saipol a public or private company?
Saipol is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Saipol founded?
Saipol was founded in 1983. It employs 501 to 1,000 people.
Where is Saipol based?
Saipol is headquartered in Grand-couronne, France, in the Europe region.
How does Saipol make money?
Seven revenue lines are on record. Vegetable Oils are the primary driver. The others are protein Meals (Tourteaux), renewable Energies (Biodiesel/Oleo100), vegetable Glycerin, lecithins, GES Bonus / Carbon Bonus and sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF).
Who are Saipol's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Bunge, CropEnergies, Louis Dreyfus Company, Verbio, Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), Tereos and Cargill. Broad incumbents are Neste, TotalEnergies and Südzucker.
Does Saipol have an API?
No public API is recorded for Saipol.
What industry is Saipol in?
Saipol's product category is Oilseed Processing and Biofuel Manufacturing. Its primary akta.pro industry code is AFAKAEAA, Vegetable Oil Crushing & Refining (Soy, Canola/Rapeseed, Sunflower, Corn, Cottonseed), with a secondary code of AFAJALAA, Commodity Edible Vegetable Oils (Refined/Bleached/Deodorized). Its NAICS code is 311224 and its SIC code is 2070.