US-based Arizona Chemicals manufactures a range of natural pine-based materials to a diverse industries that includes the personal care segment, together with other areas such as inks, coatings, adhesives and lubricants.
The company’s range of refined products includes distilled tan oils, often used in soaps, tall oil fatty acids used as surfactants, terpene blends used in fragrances and upgraded roisins, which are used as emulsifiers and pigments.
Two companies build on previous distribution alliance
The latest agreement between the two companies builds on a January 2012 agreement that appointed Netherlands-baed IMCD as the distributor for Arizona Chemical’s refinery product lines in Western Europe.
The two companies are now building on that agreement, to give IMCD the responsibility for the commercial relationship, technical support for the customers throughout Africa, while Arizona continues to gain a better understanding of the market.
“Not only will this agreement strengthen our already successful and valuable partnership with Arizona, but it will also allow IMCD to progress in its commitment to develop sales and achieve a more visible presence in Africa,” said Didrik von Porat, managing director of IMCD Nordic.
Alliance targets Africa's biggest economies
Arizona Chemicals says it now wants to focus on the expansion of its business into specific countries in Africa, including Morocco, Algerica, South Africa and Tunisia, which are some of the most developed and advanced economies in the continent.
Many African markets have been reporting double digit growth in the cosmetic and personal care segment in recent years, particularly the largest economy, South Africa, where favorable currency exchange rates have helped to drive economic growth.
“IMCD’s order handling, technical support and attention to consumer needs will allow us to grow further in these markets, and provide enhanced value and support for our customers”, said Juhani Tuovinen, Arizona Chemical’s vice president Global Commercial.