Morocco’s OCP Group, a major producer of phosphate fertilisers, has entered the “Chemicals 50” global ranking by UK firm Brand Finance.
The list ranks chemical companies based not only on sales, but also on brand strength, trust, reputation, and future earnings. OCP is placed 50th, with a brand value of about $603 million and an A+ rating.
It also ranks fourth worldwide in fertilisers used for agriculture, behind Nutrien, Yara and Mosaic, and ahead of ICL.
Brand Finance estimates brand value by looking at how much a company would pay to use its own name if it did not own it, along with expected revenues and market position.
OCP is expanding across Africa, Europe, Asia and the Americas. It makes fertilisers tailored to different soils and crops, and also provides training and digital tools to farmers.
The company is investing in cleaner production, including renewable energy and lower-carbon industrial processes.
It is also running a $13 billion green investment plan from 2023 to 2027, aiming to reach carbon neutrality by 2040. This includes switching all operations to solar and wind power by 2027 and producing green ammonia using hydrogen.
Water is a major focus due to drought in Morocco. OCP is building desalination plants and a 219 km pipeline to supply seawater to its mining sites, reducing pressure on freshwater supplies.
Morocco holds more than 70% of the world’s phosphate reserves, a key ingredient in fertilisers with no alternative. OCP accounts for around 31% of global phosphate supply.
One of its main industrial sites, Jorf Lasfar, is the world’s largest fertiliser complex. It uses a pipeline system to move phosphate directly from mines to the port, cutting transport needs and saving resources.
The group also raised $1.5 billion through a hybrid bond last year, the first time it has done so in US dollars and a first for any African company on international markets.
OCP posted revenues of $11.4 billion last year, up 17%, helped by strong global demand for food security products.
Brand Finance said the ranking shows which chemical companies are becoming recognised global brands, with BASF, SABIC and Dow leading the list.
