POLAND – Azelis, a global provider of innovative services in specialty chemicals and food ingredients, has announced it is acquiring Hortimex, a Polish distributor specializing in food ingredients and nutraceuticals. 

Under the agreement, Azelis will take full ownership of Hortimex, a move that strengthens the company’s footprint in Poland’s growing food and nutrition market.

The acquisition enhances Azelis’ presence in Poland, adding to its existing operations through its Regional Competence Center for Meat and Meat Alternatives, located in PoznaĹ„. 

Hortimex, with its established focus on non-meat applications such as human nutrition, functional foods, confectionery, and bakery products, will complement Azelis’ offerings. 

This addition is seen as an opportunity for Azelis to broaden its service to local customers and drive further growth in Poland, backed by Hortimex’s broad product portfolio, experienced sales force, and long-standing industry relationships.

Founded in 1988 by the Kowalewski family and based in Konin, Hortimex has become a leading supplier of health ingredients and specialized products to the food production sector in Poland. 

The company employs 35 staff members, including sales and technical experts, and serves more than 800 customers across the country.

The acquisition is expected to be finalized in the fourth quarter, pending standard regulatory approvals and conditions.

This deal marks Azelis’ latest expansion in Poland, which boasts the largest food processing sector in Central and Eastern Europe and ranks sixth in the European Union. 

In 2019, the food industry contributed 6% to Poland’s gross domestic product (GDP) of US$592 billion.

This development follows the recent appointment of Thijs Bakker as Chief Financial Officer of Azelis. 

Bakker, who joined the company a few months ago, brings over 15 years of experience from AkzoNobel, where he held various financial positions in the Netherlands, the United States, and Asia Pacific. 

Before his role at AkzoNobel, Bakker was Regional Controller for Asia Pacific at Nuplex Resins in Singapore. 

He holds a master’s degree in Economics and Business as well as a post-graduate qualification in Finance and Control.

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