Solbar signs soy product distribution agreement
in France, Benelux and Scandinavia for its range of speciality soy
protein concentrates, isolates and textured products.
The agreement marks the next stage in the group's business re-organisation, and is designed to enable the firm to capitalise on growing interest in soy protein ingredients.
Isolated proteins for example, are currently growing by between seven and eight per cent.
Soussana, the largest company of the Danish Crown - DAT Schaub Group, has been selected Solbar's partner in France. Solbar says that it will also continue to cooperate with long-time colleague MCM Casings for a number of select accounts in the French market.
Caldic Ingredients has been selected as the firm's Benelux partner.
" Solbar is convinced that Caldic Ingredients does not just re-sell ingredients, but offers value added solutions; an important asset to Solbar's loyal customer base in the Benelux countries," said Gary Brenner, vice president of marketing & sales at Solbar.
Danetto Food, which has developed into a key supplier to meat, poultry and seafood manufacturers in Denmark, Sweden and Norway, will be Solbar's distributor in Scandinavia. The Israeli company said that its relationship with soy industry veteran John Johnke was a key factor in the decision.
"The expert team of distributors to the food industry was assembled together with Solbar's consultant for new business development, Jose Cadillac," said Brenner. "During the next few weeks we will be making another announcement regarding additional changes in Solbar's distribution channels in Europe."
Solbar is the third biggest provider of soy proteins, after soy heavyweights Solae and ADM, both of which are based in the US. However the company feels that its small size allows it to concentrate on innovative products and focus on key issues for food makers such as the colour of the soybeans, which is affected by the soil in different regions.
The firm that has been growing by around 30 per cent on an annual basis for the last 10 years. The recently announced distribution agreements in Europe could therefore help Solbar achieve greater efficiency to meet growing regional demand.
