Univar Solutions to expand DSM-Firmenich’s distribution reach in Americas region
17 Aug 2023 --- Specialty ingredients and chemicals distributor Univar Solutions México has been appointed as the exclusive distributor for DSM-Firmenich in Central America, Mexico and the Caribbean. The move will supply the region’s access to DSM-Firmenich’s innovative personal care ingredients and fragrance solutions, next to its nutrients and flavors.
“We are very pleased to be working with DSM-Firmenich, adding their extensive and innovative products to our portfolio, and expanding access for customers seeking personal care solutions to grow their business,” says James Peterson, global VP for beauty and personal care for Univar Solutions.
“DSM-firmenich’s products enhance and diversify our portfolio further, and our teams look forward to presenting them to our esteemed customers across a range of personal care markets.”
Expanding partnership
Univar Solutions and DSM-Firmenich offer various solutions for turning trends into hair care, sun care, vitamins in personal care and cosmetics into products. DSM-Firmenich leads industry solutions for UV filters and vitamins, with expertise in skin bioactives.
DSM-Firmenich leads industry solutions for UV filters and vitamins, with expertise in skin bioactives.
“DSM-Firmenich is thrilled to announce this newly expanded partnership with Univar Solutions within the personal care market,” says Guilherme Dias, personal care regional director, LATAM at DSM-Firmenich. “Univar Solutions brings additional value to our customers with their forward-thinking approach to the future of the distribution industry in areas such as reliability, technical acumen and digitalization.”
“We are committed to offering innovative, scientifically proven and market-validated personal care solutions that effectively respond to market trends and key consumer needs while making a stronger and more transparent commitment to environmentally and socially responsible practices.”
In recent company developments, the Firmenich arm of the business was selected as the fragrance house to craft Ariana Grande’s latest perfume launch, Cloud Pink.
Univar Solutions’ expertise
Earlier this year, Personal Care Insights interviewed Tony Jaillot, global VP of beauty and personal care at Univar Solutions, revealing the strategies behind the company’s growth and expansion into Europe, the Middle East and Africa. He shares that Univar Solutions is investing in its Solution Centers to capture market trends and translate them into formulation concepts while leveraging artificial intelligence for efficiency.
Univar Solutions specializes in sun care, skin care, color cosmetics and hair care, supported by its network of Solution Centers.
“Univar Solutions serves beauty and personal care brands and formulators worldwide, helping them find solutions and achieve success as they grow their business,” comments Jorge Buckup, president of Latin America for Univar Solutions. 
Univar Solutions specializes in sun care, skin care, color cosmetics and hair care.
“We are elated to bring the DSM-Firmenich personal care ingredient portfolio to Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, as we already have a supplier relationship in North America and Europe. Together with DSM-Firmenich, we’re better able to help customers formulate next-generation products, work to improve time to market, and achieve sustainable solutions through ingredients and innovations.”
Brazil – a hot spot
Univar Solutions and Croda previously partnered in a distribution agreement to expand Brazil’s mineral sunscreen product selection and bolster the Solaveil, Infraveil and Optisol product ranges.
This May, the Brazilian Cosmetic, Toiletries and Perfumery Industry Association revealed that the international trade surplus of the Brazilian personal hygiene, perfumery and cosmetics industry increased by 30.9% in the first four months of 2023, compared to the same period of 2022, hitting the mark of US$29.2 million.
Brazil is a hotspot for beauty and personal care, making it the world’s fourth-largest market in this sector. Its market is valued at ¥3 trillion (US$21.95 billion), according to Kao.
Tracking Univar Solutions
In May, Univar Solutions entered an expanded exclusive distribution agreement with Angus Chemical Company, covering the beauty and personal care market in the US and Canada.
In our Special Report, we spoke to the company alongside Cargill, International Flavors & Fragrances and Lignopure to unravel their sustainability strategies and explore how they effectively communicate with consumers to combat eco-fatigue.
In March, Apollo Funds entered into a definitive merger agreement to acquire Univar Solutions in an all-cash transaction totaling approximately US$8.1 billion. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of the year, and as a result, Univar Solutions will become a privately held company.
By Venya Patel
