ADM to Expand Chocolate Manufacturing Capabilities in Europe


DECATUR, Ill., Sept. 8-- Archer Daniels Midland Company (NYSE:ADM) today announced the expansion of its industrial chocolate manufacturing capabilities in Europe through the acquisition of Classic Couverture, a Liverpool, United Kingdom-based chocolate manufacturer, from Edward Billington and Son Ltd.

"This acquisition provides a solid platform for ADM Cocoa's expansion in European industrial chocolate manufacturing, allowing us to better serve our customers' finished chocolate needs," stated Mark Bemis, President-ADM Cocoa. "Classic Couverture's state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Liverpool complements our existing facilities in Europe, allowing us to maximize synergies between operations."

ADM is a global leader in cocoa processing with plants in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Africa. ADM is a premier industrial chocolate manufacturer in North America, and is building a state-of-the-art chocolate facility in Hazleton, Pennsylvania.

Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) is a world leader in agricultural processing and fermentation technology. ADM is one of the world's largest processors of soybeans, corn, wheat and cocoa. ADM is also a leader in the production of soybean oil and meal, ethanol, corn sweeteners and flour. In addition, ADM produces value-added food and feed ingredients. Headquartered in Decatur, Illinois, ADM has over 26,000 employees, more than 240 processing plants and net sales for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006 of $36.6 billion. Additional information can be found on ADM's Web site at www.admworld.com/ .

CONTACT:
Brian Peterson,
Senior Vice President-Corporate Affairs,
Archer Daniels Midland Company,
+1-217-424-5413
Web site: www.admworld.com/

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