Azelis-Roquette distribution deal expands footprint in food and health market across Asia Pacific

10 May 2021 --- Azelis has increased the scope of its distribution agreement with Roquette for its food product range in China. 

The company has a long-standing relationship with Roquette. This latest move strengthens Azelis’ lateral value chain and expands its presence in the food and health market segment across the Asia Pacific region.

Roquette is a company specializing in plant-based ingredients. In 2020, Azelis was appointed as the preferred distribution partner of Roquette for the plant care market in Asia Pacific.

Scaling solutions
Azelis’ ability to provide scale, technical expertise, formulation capabilities and market knowledge were critical factors in Roquette’s decision to enter this distribution agreement.

“We are delighted to further our business relationship with Azelis as part of our commitment to deliver best-in-class services and tailor-made solutions to our customers,” says Jean Wang, Roquette China CEO.  

“With Azelis’ technical and formulation expertise, along with their dedication to using technology and other innovative resources to streamline business processes across the lateral value chain, we are confident that together we can look forward to continued growth in China’s food and health industry.”

Organic growth is a crucial component of Azelis’ strategy.Meanwhile, Jackson Chu, Azelis’ managing director for China, also comments: This distribution extension is a testimony to Roquette’s belief in Azelis’ ability to develop their business further and create new opportunities through our knowledge of the food market in China and technical sales capabilities.”

Plant-based growth
According to Chu, Roquette’s range of high-quality plant-based ingredients complement the company’s portfolio and its core values of providing sustainable ingredients and solutions to its partners.

This agreement enhances Azelis’ lateral value chain by broadening its food and health product offering in the Chinese market with the addition of Roquette’s specialty products, including fibers, plant-derived proteins and both modified and native functional starches.

In October, despite the complexities surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, Roquette revealed it was on track to open the world’s largest pea protein plant in Canada, by the end of 2020. 

Meanwhile, in February, Roquette added a new ingredient to its range of Nutralys plant proteins. According to the company, it wants to support its customers in developing “plant-based gastronomy” that consumers are seeking to explore and that meets the booming global demand for food that is better for people and the planet. 

Azelis continues global partnerships
Azelis China’s distribution business started in 2012. Its growth can be attributed to its technical know-how, comprehensive product range and dedication to growing both organically with its partners and through strategic acquisitions. 

Azelis China acquired CosBond and the Chinese Personal Care business of Bronson & Jacobs in 2020 to strengthen its position as a leading distributor of specialty chemicals and food ingredients in the China market. 

Azelis also operates five dedicated food and health application laboratories in Asia Pacific, of which one in China has advanced dairy and bakery capabilities.

In November, Azelis strengthened its position in the Indonesian food and health market by extending its partnership with Corbion. This partnership is said to “build upon successful collaboration between Azelis and Corbion in the Asia Pacific region.”

Just last week, Azelis acquired Vigon International as part of its foray into the US flavors market.

Edited by Elizabeth Green

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