EXHIBIT 23.1
 
                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
We consent to the inclusion in this registration statement on Form S-4 (File No.
333-64641) of our report dated September 11, 1998, which report is based, in
part, on the report of other auditors for fiscal 1997, on our audits of the
consolidated financial statements of Philipp Brothers Chemicals, Inc and
Subisidaries as of June 30, 1998 and 1997 and for the years then ended. We also
consent to the references to our firm under the caption "Experts."
 
                                          PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS, LLP
 
Florham Park, New Jersey
November 20, 1998