What we do is not new. But it’s more important than ever

Those lush, yellow fields you pass in your car? They’re more than just a pretty sight. Rapeseed is a key component in fixing the climate crisis. And this protein-rich plant is the focal point of everything we do.

Founded in 1838, Emmelev is the primary Danish circular producer of biodiesel – made from rapeseed. We also extract and sell three other products from rapeseed: rapeseed cakes, rapeseed oil and glycerin.

These goods are used in feed, food, pharma and fuel solutions. We’re working on growing into more product categories, for example lecithin for feed and food as well as Super Degummed Rapeseed Oil for biofuel.

Three key figures give the clue that Emmelev's finances are so solid that we are a good and secure partner for all our trading relationships.

The development in turnover, equity and solidity testifies that Emmelev is experiencing great growth over the years.

A steadily increasing volume in the production of sustainable products contributes to increased turnover

241 mio. €

In revenue in 2023. With an average annual growth rate over a 5-year period 15%.

38.5 mio. €

In equity in 2023. With an average annual growth rate over a 5-year period 30%.

44%

In solidity in 2023. With an average annual growth rate over a 5-year period 10%.

Ever adapting, always improving.

Our century-long journey in Danish agriculture to become a leading plant-based producer of fuel, protein & food

1838

Establishment of the mill at Emmelev Banke

Miller and mill builder Adrian Johansen and his wife Maren buy a small plot of land at Emmelev Banke and build a mill, a so-called Dutch ground mill with a wingspan of 15 meters. Thus, the family started as the first generation at the mill, and the customer base steadily grew.

1868

Becomes leading in the region

The middle of three daughters in the family, Birthe, becomes the miller's wife and thus the second generation at Emmelev. She marries the son of Nislev Mill, Claus Peter Julius Simonsen, and they run the mill and serve customers as was common at the time. In 1890, they build a steam mill, making Emmelev one of the leading mills in the region.

1907

Third generation develops the mill

Birthe Simonsen becomes a widow and hands over the mill to the third generation, Simon Simonsen, who a few years later marries Maren Andersen from Egense Mark. They establish a feed factory at Otterup Station. During the two world wars and the interwar period, they are challenged by economic conditions but manage to get through.

1941

Transforms into a modern company

The son Peter and his wife Esther become the fourth generation at the mill during the war. After the war, agriculture is developing, and the mill invests in modern technical equipment and feed production, building high silos and installing a new grain dryer. The transition from a village mill to a modern industrial company is underway.

1965

Opens branches all over Funen

Three sons, Helge, Arne, and Bjarne Simonsen, join the company, which develops into a modern grain and feed business with branches all over Funen. In 1992, they add a new dimension by inaugurating an oil mill for pressing rapeseed oil. At the same time, there is tough competition in the feed market and the sale of finished feed on Funen.

2000

Sells the feed division

The grain and feed division is sold, and Emmelev continues as a producer of rapeseed oil and later biodiesel, which is exported in the first years. In 2008, they invest in a glycerin distillation plant, and it is in the early 2000s that the sixth generation, Erling Simonsen and Morten Simonsen, join the company. Morten Simonsen becomes part of the daily management in the company, which develops significantly.

2022

The factory burns down

A fire at the oil mill temporarily halts the production of rapeseed oil. Relatively quickly, new and larger production capacity is established. At the same time, a collaboration with Ferm Food begins, which can convert feed cakes from Emmelev's production into ingredients in food.

Being sustainable is never finished

We not only fulfill the EU’s directives on CO2 reduction, but far succeed them. Yet, we’re consistently looking at developing new technologies and products across various sectors that will make a difference.

Whenever we invest in utilizing rapeseed even more efficiently, we make sure the process still affects the environment as little as possible.

It’s crucial for us to limit our own use of resources, too, as well as consider how we get our resources. Emmelev is the only oil mill that buys rapeseed directly from farmers. And we source as much as we can of what we need within a 200-kilometer radius to reduce the climate impact from transportation.

For decades, we’ve asked ourselves, “what’s next?” – and we keep asking every day.