Liverpool palm oil refinery SD Guthrie International sees annual revenues rise 2.7% to £265.4m amid ‘volatile’ trading in what directors describe as a ‘commendable’ performance. Tony McDonough reports
Liverpool palm oil refinery SD Guthrie International sees revenues rise but pre-tax profits fall amid “volatile” trading conditions.
SD Guthrie International, previously known as Sime Darby Oils, employs more than 120 people at its base on Regent Road, close to Huskisson Dock at the Port of Liverpool.
It was first set up as New Britain Palm Oils on the site in 2010 in a £40m investment. In 2015, the facility was acquired by Malaysia-based Sime Darby Plantation for just over £1bn.
In accounts filed on Companies House for the 12 months to December 31, 2025, SD Guthrie reported a 2.7% rise in revenues to £265.4m. However pre-tax profits fell to £19.4m from £23.8m in 2024.
Writing in the annual report, director Michael Barkhuysen said: “Administrative expenses increased by 77.6% compared to the year end December 31, 2024. The majority of this change is due to foreign exchange gains.
“Considering the volatile commodity trading conditions during the year under review, the directors considered the performance of the business during the year to be commendable.”
Most of the palm oil refined at the plant is produced by 17,000 smallholders running plantations in Papua New Guinea.
Palm oil is a type of vegetable oil and is a key ingredient in countless consumer food and personal care products. They include cakes, biscuits and chocolate as well as shampoo and detergents. It is the most widely-used vegetable oil in the world.
However, over the years it has been associated with deforestation and threats to wildlife and a contributor to climate change in countries such as Borneo and Sumatra. Species such as orangutans and rare birds have been threatened by the destruction of their habitats.
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In a bid to clean up its act the industry has moved towards a more sustainable model. A number of producers, including SD Guthrie, are now members of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO).
Michael Barkhuysen added: “The company and its directors maintain a dedicated commitment to environmental stewardship and the well-being of the communities at point of origin.”