Distribution deal: Azelis bolsters position in Indian food segment

01 Mar 2019 --- Specialty food ingredients distributor Azelis is strengthening its position in the Indian food segment by acquiring the distribution activities of MK Ingredients & Specialties and SSD Industries (MK) in India. The deal is part of the company’s organic growth strategy and closely follows the acquisition of Euroconsultant Ltd., a Polish distributor of flavors, shelf life extenders and other products predominantly for the meat segment, earlier this year.

Azelis seeks to grow its Food & Health business, a strategic focus area in India and says MK’s well-equipped laboratory and highly-trained staff are consistent with Azelis’ focus on innovation and product development.

The transaction sees Azelis acquiring 100 percent of MK's distribution activities while also taking over MK’s food laboratory.

Being one of the largest economies and the second most populous country in the world, India is a key region for Azelis to focus. 

The Indian distributor is a family-owned company, whose employees and management will join Azelis. MK covers food applications such as confectionery, bakery and dairy, while its non-food segments include paints and coatings as well as chemicals for industrial markets. 

“In 2018, Azelis opened three application laboratories in India, servicing the Personal Care, Food and CASE markets. Combining the Azelis food lab with MK’s modern and fully-equipped food lab will complement our technical expertise, especially in the dairy and bakery sectors,” says Aparna Khurana, Managing Director Azelis India.

“MK and Azelis India have a solid and highly compatible supplier mix and this acquisition will help increase the value Azelis can bring to our customers and principals,” adds Laurent Nataf, CEO and President Azelis Asia Pacific. 

“It will provide us with an improved product offering and customer reach, in particular within the food industry. MK Ingredients won an award for the best Asia-Pacific distributor in 2016 and for exceptional business growth in 2018. This clearly demonstrates the great partnerships they have with principals, a value which is shared by Azelis,” Nataf continues. 

FoodIngredientsFirst has requested further details from Azelis. 

Dipan Dalal, Managing Partner at MK Ingredients, says his company will benefit from Azelis’ specialty focus, while the new setup will offer a much wider product portfolio.

“Azelis has a well-established operating platform and logistics expertise which will accelerate our service efficiency,” he says.