DuPont Diagnostics names VWR as exclusive US distributor
The business unit, part of DuPont Nutrition & Health, said the deal allows VWR sole rights within the US to sell the BAX System Q7 instrument, assays and related products as its only PCR-based pathogen detection system to the food industry.
VWR is a provider of products and services to laboratory and production facilities.
DuPont Diagnostics did not respond to our questions on how products were distributed before, how the agreement came about, how long it lasts for or the potential to expand it.
Customer opportunity
Tim Carmack, global marketing manager at DuPont Diagnostics, said the distribution gives it an opportunity to offer customers the option of purchasing all the items a food testing lab will need from a single location to improve the buying process.
“Although this distributorship is new for the Diagnostics business unit, DuPont has been working with VWR for years.
“DuPont Diagnostics works with a number of regional distributors to make our products accessible throughout the world, and we regularly evaluate distribution options to ensure we are providing the best service for our customer base.
“Under this new agreement VWR will have exclusive distribution rights to sell DuPont Diagnostics products here in the US.
“DuPont Diagnostics’ goal along with VWR is to improve convenience and customer support for all of our customers, current and future, by providing them access to VWR’s ‘one-stop shopping.’”
The BAX system
The BAX System provides automated testing for foodborne pathogens, spoilage organisms and other microbes in raw ingredients, finished products and manufacturing environments.
It breaks down samples at the genetic level using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), then uses target-specific primers to automatically detect the presence or absence of target bacterial DNA and provide “yes or no” results.
The BAX system for Listeria monocytogenes was certified as a Performance Tested Method (PTM) by the AOAC Research Institute earlier this year.
VWR acquired Integra Companies and STI Components – companies complementary to food industry services last year.
Mark McLoughlin, VWR SVP and president of Americas Lab and Distribution Services, said the products ‘help enable science’ for customers requiring rapid testing methods for food safety.
“DuPont is a well-known and reputable brand, and VWR is excited to add these award winning products to our food and beverage portfolio.”
