Kerry appoints new distribution partners in Europe

20-Feb-2023 - Last updated on 20-Feb-2023 at 13:48 GMT

Kerry has appointed two new partners to help consolidate its distribution network in Europe. Pictured: CEO Thomas Hahlin Ahlinder,

Kerry has appointed two new distribution partners, Azelis and Caldic, as part of a consolidation of its distribution network across Europe.

The manufacturer said the appointments would extend the reach of its portfolio and enable the supply of more customers. Kerry Dairy Ireland, condensed smoke, food service products, retail butchery in UK and Ireland, pharma products and supplements are not included.

Thomas Hahlin Ahlinder, chief executive of Kerry Europe, said the announcement was an important step for its business in Europe and that the partnership would help improve the delivery of its core technologies across the region.

Increased choice

“We selected these partners due to their extensive experience and we anticipate this partnership will provide increased access and additional choice to a larger number of customers,” he added.

Caldic will operate in the UK, South Europe, Ireland, the Nordics and Benelux, while Azelis will take responsibility for Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Eastern Europe. Kerry will continue to operate direct sales across the region to its established and target customer base.

Laurent Pasqualini, Caldic Europe chief executive, said: “Kerry’s product range is the perfect addition to our food solutions portfolio for the Western European market. The increasing consumer interest in plant based and ‘better for you’ propositions require functional solutions in terms of taste, nutrition and look and feel.

“The partnership with Kerry provides an array of ingredients that enable us to formulate solutions to these functional challenges while leveraging our capabilities, thereby supporting our customers in their growth ambitions.”

Strengthening relationships

Andrey Zhukov, market segment director Food & Nutrition EMEA at Azelis, added: “Through this agreement, we are proud to embark on this new journey with Kerry and strengthen existing business relationships in Europe.

“Our innovation and digital capabilities, supported by our skilled team of salespeople and lab experts, assure us that our customers will benefit from this partnership. We look forward to seeing the success derived from our collaboration.”

Meanwhile, last month, Kerry Group announced plans to sell the trade and assets of its Sweet Ingredients Portfolio to IRCA for a consideration of €500m (£443m).