On May 27, the bulk carrier "GUO HAI LIAN 665" unloaded 10,600 tons of Canadian durum wheat at Liangyou Port in Shanghai, marking COFCO's first bulk shipment of Canadian durum wheat and China's first import of durum wheat by bulk carrier.
The shipment was purchased by COFCO International, COFCO Group’s international trading arm, with the aim of further diversifying the imported wheat portfolio and to meet the Chinese market demand for high-quality imported wheat. In 2023, COFCO began importing smaller amounts of durum wheat in freight containers.
Durum wheat, characterized by harder grain texture and higher protein content in comparison to common wheat, is the preferred raw material for the production of pasta. Canada is the world's largest durum wheat exporter. The intense color and high semolina yield of Canadian durum wheat make it popular among consumers across the world.
COFCO's direct import of durum wheat in bulk signals a departure from China's usual practice of importing finished pasta or durum wheat flour.
