CP Kelco and Azelis expand distribution in Netherlands, Azelis acquires 100% shares in Coseal

15 Jul 2021 --- Azelis is expanding its global footprint with distribution and acquisition deals, including Azelis and CP Kelco extending their distribution relationship in the Netherlands. Meanwhile, Azelis has also agreed to acquire 100 percent of the shares in Coseal, a specialist distribution business in South Korea.

Azelis will distribute the complete range of CP Kelco’s products, including Genu Pectin, Kelcogel Gellan Gum, Genu Carrageenan, Keltrol Xanthan Gum, Cellulon Fermentation-Derived Cellulose and, the newest addition, Nutrava Citrus Fiber. 

CP Kelco’s product range is a significant addition to Azelis’ portfolio in this market. The new distribution agreement is a crucial step in the strong and continuously developing collaboration between companies globally.

Speaking to FoodIngredientsFirst, Steve Sullivan, head of global distribution excellence at CP Kelco, says he sees a tremendous opportunity to continue developing a go-to-market approach by collaborating with companies worldwide who are focused on delivering an exceptional experience through a robust set of technical capabilities. 

“Collaboration goes hand in hand with our focus on innovation. Both have significant roles in CP Kelco’s evolution as a world-class, nature-based ingredients provider and problem solver. This relationship will allow us to advance our work on meeting key market trends and consumer needs, such as plant-based/alternative protein products and clean label-friendly solutions, which are driving growth.”

As the quest for more alternative proteins continues and consumers demand more plant-based and ‘good for me’ products, we see the choice of ingredients becomes more critical. Having the right market reach in each country around the world becomes a vital enabler to helping our customers with their growth plans,” Sullivan notes. 

The new distribution agreement serves as a key step in developing collaboration between both companies globally.CP Kelco is also proud to align with a company like Azelis that shares our commitment to sustainability. “We congratulate them on their recent platinum rating assessment from EcoVadis for sustainable solutions and services,” he adds. 

A distributor of choice
Azelis’ local sales coverage and industry-dedicated laboratory or network, position Azelis as a “distributor of choice” for CP Kelco to enhance business activities in the Netherlands.

Starting in August, Azelis will cover all of the application segments of Food, Beverage and Consumer & Industrial (C&I) in the Dutch market.

“Expanding our alliance with Azelis in the Netherlands is an exciting step in our expanding collaboration globally,” says James Schkade, senior vice president, global commercial at CP Kelco. 

“We see tremendous global opportunities to create alliances that can build exceptional customer experiences, and we are continuously looking at ways to collaborate with companies like Azelis that support not only our culture of customer success but also our ambitious growth goals.”

South Korea growth strategy
Also this week, Azelis has agreed to acquire 100 percent of the shares in Coseal in South Korea. Coseal is renowned for its specialist distribution, repackaging and blending of agricultural and horticultural surfactants. The acquisition of Coseal will further drive Azelis’ growth in these market segments across Asia Pacific.

According to the company, the transaction is consistent with Azelis’ strategy of complementing organic growth with strategic acquisitions. 

“Like Azelis, Coseal has a strong technical expertise and strives to provide tailor-made formulations to customers continually,” says Laurent Nataf, CEO and president of Azelis Asia Pacific. 

“This has been critical in building Coseal’s long-lasting and collaborative relationships. Azelis in South Korea has been largely focused on personal care, so we’re very excited to enter the agricultural/horticultural market with such a reputable partner by our side.” 

Global moves
Last month, CP Kelco extended its distribution relationship with Azelis in India, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.

Further, Azelis increased the scope of its distribution agreement with Roquette for its food product range in China. 

In May, Azelis acquired Vigon International as part of its foray into the US flavors market.

Additionally, CP Kelco recently inaugurated a global innovation center in the US, designed as an open, collaborative space for scientists and customers. The Atlanta-based operation is set to focus on fermentation-derived functional ingredients that are tipped to play a vital role in the alternative protein and prebiotic space.

By Elizabeth Green