AAK acquires major foothold in speciality lecithin

AAK, supplier of speciality lecithin, has acquired a majority stake in Soya International. The business will now trade under a new name – AAK Soya International Ltd, but will continue to operate out of Manchester, UK.

AAK Soya International supplies products such as non-GMO (genetically modified organisms) liquid, non-GMO powdered, organic and speciality lecithin solutions developed for chocolate, confectionery, bakery, dairy and infant nutrition applications. Lecithin is a natural emulsifier produced from vegetable oils such as soy, sunflower and rapeseed.

AAK believes this set-up will offer significant business opportunities for new and existing customers. Following the acquisition, the company has said there will be no change to current lecithin supply arrangements for existing customers.

For AAK’s customers, the acquisition provides an opportunity to simplify operations by sourcing speciality lecithin ingredients, alongside oils and fats, from one supplier. There is a growing demand for non-GMO, sustainably produced lecithin ingredients in traditional markets like Europe, with high growth rates in the US and Asia.

“Our ambition is to be one of the world’s leading non-GMO lecithin suppliers, with a focus on value-adding speciality products. The establishment of AAK Soya International gives us a major foothold to do this and it is a strategic fit with AAK’s speciality oils and fats portfolio,” commented Marco Oomen, Global Business Director of Chocolate and Confectionery Fats at AAK.