GLG Life Tech Announces Distribution Agreements in South America
The combination of GLG's strengths in the development, production of high grade stevia extracts, and M Cassab's strength in distribution, formulation and customer service creates significant potential for the use of stevia-based sweetener solutions in these markets.
5/6/2011 --- GLG Life Tech Corporation, the vertically-integrated leader in the agricultural and commercial development of high quality stevia and all natural and zero calorie food and beverage products, announces the signing of a three-year agreement with Grupo M. Cassab (MCB) for the marketing and distribution of GLG's stevia extract products in Brazil and Argentina.
In its 83 year history, M. Cassab has established itself as one of the largest distributors of fine and specialty chemicals to the food and pharmaceutical sectors in Brazil. The company owns and operates specialty ingredient processing plants and distribution centers throughout Brazil and Argentina and has several strategic supply relationships with key food and beverage companies within the region.
Key highlights under the terms of this agreement include:
* Initial term of three years with an option to extend the term subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions and upon mutual agreement of the parties.
* Non-exclusivity between the two companies, subject to certain limitations, including MCB's obligation to achieve set GLG product purchases levels, which will be established by mutual agreement year by year.
* Marketing support, as well as sales and technical training, to be provided by GLG to MCB.
* MCB to market GLG's full line of products including the BlendSure product line, Rebpure, and Rebsweet within Brazil and Argentina.
* Opportunity for future geographic expansion to include additional countries throughout South America.
Dr. Luke Zhang, Chairman and CEO of GLG stated, "Brazil and Argentina represent a significant market opportunity for the expansion of GLG's natural sweetener solutions. These countries have had a history of using stevia, however, the taste of the typical lower grade stevia extracts available has impacted the wider use of the sweetener by the food and beverage industry. We are very excited to be entering into this relationship with M. Cassab whose experience, expertise, and track record of innovation provide foundation and stability for a long-term collaboration. The combination of GLG's strengths in the development, production of high grade stevia extracts, and M Cassab's strength in distribution, formulation and customer service creates significant potential for the use of stevia-based sweetener solutions in these markets. We are very pleased with this agreement and look forward to a successful, valuable partnership with M. Cassab."
Mr. Victor Cutait, Director and shareholder of M.Cassab stated, "M.Cassab is very excited with the opportunity of working with GLG's stevia extracts in Brazil and Argentina. The partnership is in line with M.Cassab's strategy of bringing high value added ingredients to our portfolio. We are sure this partnership will provide Brazilian and Argentinean food and beverage companies a new way of developing low/zero sugar and low-calorie products, using a totally natural sweetener, free of off-flavors. GLG's products have proved to be beyond expectations in terms of sweetness and purity. We are also confident about GLG's strength on product development and technology for a successful long term partnership. Our technical and commercial team will be focused on presenting this line of products to our customers within the next months and on."
