Preface

The oil palm industry is one of the most historically important commercial businesses. Oil palms were introduced to Java by the Dutch in 1848 and to Malaysia in 1910 by Scotsman William Sime and English banker Henry Darby. *Elaeis guineensis* was taken to Malaysia from Eastern Nigeria in 1961. However, it originally grew in West Africa. Oil is extracted from both the pulp of the fruit and the kernel.

The high oil yield of oil palms has made it a common cooking ingredient in Southeast Asia and tropical Africa. Its increasing use in the commercial food industry in other parts of the world is due to its low cost. *E. guineensis* is among the few tropical tree crops with high productivity in actual growing conditions.

This book discusses the technologies involved in the palm oil industry as well as the processes and procedures involved, while investigating and focusing on methods aimed at conserving its sustainability. The book consists of two sections that include chapters written by experts who have provided a detailed overview of the industry as well as insights on maintaining sustainability. The chapter authors come from varied backgrounds, exposures, and location, and therefore, look at the oil palm industry from multiple perspectives, leading to the book's holistic overview of the global palm oil industry.

I would like to take this opportunity to extend my appreciation to the authors who have contributed so many wonderful chapters. Also, my heartfelt appreciation goes to IntechOpen with whom I have worked on many book projects. Finally, my appreciation goes to the Publishing Process Manager Ms. Ana Javor, who provided unfailing support in throughout the publication process.

I hope that this book will lay the foundations for many more publications to come on *E. guineensis*. There is much to be learned and discovered about the palm oil industry and its future will be successful if challenges are dealt with appropriately and overcome.

> **Dr. Viduranga Y. Waisundara** Deputy Principal, Australian College of Business and Technology, Kandy Campus, Kandy, Sri Lanka

Section 1
