September 8 2014, David R Brown
International ingredients distributor, Barentz establishes its first office on the African continent
Barentz, an international leader in sales, marketing and distribution of food ingredients, has announced that it has opened its first office on the African continent. The new office is based in Johannesburg and Barentz South Africa will initially serve customers in South Africa, with a plan to rapidly expand into Sub-Saharan African countries.
With 55 million people, South Africa is a substantial market for the food industry
Hidde van der Wal
CEO of Barentz International
“Being in South Africa is a logical step for us,” says Hidde van der Wal, CEO of Barentz International. “With 55 million people, South Africa is a substantial market for the food industry.”
South Africa has seen a rise in the income of the middle class, giving way to the growth of large food retail stores like Shoprite Checkers, Pick ’n Pay, Woolworths and Spar. To supply these retail stores with food and beverage products, both multinational and local companies have established factories in Sub-Saharan Africa increasing the demand for high quality ingredients.
Barentz aims to establish itself as a preferred supplier to the leading food & nutrition companies in the region, before extending the ingredients and additives business to the Pharmaceutical and Personal Care industries. With over 1 billion people, the Sub Saharan territories are seen as representing a major opportunity for growth for Barentz and its suppliers. Barentz South Africa will offer a full range of ingredients and solutions to the food & nutrition market.
Paul Vet has been appointed to manage Barentz's African operations and has a long history in the food ingredients industry, most recently as Managing Director for Danisco Sub-Saharan Africa.
About Barentz International
Barentz is a leading international, full-service ingredients provider for the food, animal food, personal care, pharmaceutical and chemical industry. Barentz has grown substantially in the last couple of years. With a strong focus on the European market, and growing business in the Asia Pacific region and in North America, the Barentz group generated a
turnover of 880 million Euros in 2013, serving customers in 50 countries with around 500 people.
Source(s): Barentz Press Release
Further Information
Visit: http://www.barentz.com