Under a new agreement, Lake Chemicals and Minerals’ Salutivia Division has been selected for the distribution of DSM’s products in the Republic of Ireland’s food, nutrition and supplement sectors. 

Speaking to FoodIngredientsFirst, the UK-based supplier shares details on its new distribution partnership with DSM and Brexit forecast for the year ahead.

“Salutivia is the food division of Lake Chemicals and Minerals and has a unique and compelling offering for its existing and prospective customers,” details a spokesperson of Lake.

“As we continue to expand, early 2021 will see Salutivia move into a new facility which will offer additional NPD capabilities,” they add.

“All of the products [under the distribution deal] are in DSM’s Human Nutrition and Health offering. These include vitamins, carotenoids, nutritional lipids, nutraceuticals, speciality products and antioxidants.”

Brexit uncertainties amid a new trade agreement
Even with a newly announced UK trade deal with the EU, Brexit has left the UK’s industry mired in uncertainties for local F&B business operators. The impact of Brexit on the Irish border involves changes in trade, customs and immigration checks, among other regulatory upheavals.

Last November, Food Drink Ireland (FDI) underscored a list of urgently required support measures in a Brexit report. “The Irish food and drink sector is by far the most exposed of any sector in any country in Europe to Brexit – deal or no deal,” said FDI Director Paul Kelly. 

“The great unknowns of a Brexit trade deal, combined with unpredictable COVID-19 economics, challenges the most capable of businesses,” remarks Lake’s spokesperson. “To our knowledge, there will be no impact on Salutivia’s ability to conduct business in Ireland following the UK-EU trade deal.”

“We are ready to support our customers through the regulatory environment in Ireland/EU. Operating a robust supply chain is Salutivia’s expertise. Planning stock levels, learning new export/import rules and working with capable partners ensure that customer operations run smoothly.”

Suite of solutions for NPD and distribution
The services Salutivia offers include global supply chain management, speciality product development, technical expertise, global QRESH (Quality, Regularity, Environmental, Safety and Health) knowledge and strategic market insights.

“Salutivia has seen the demand for many of the products in the DSM portfolio increase over recent years through innovation in products, most recently linked to immunity and dietary supplements and vegan-driven trends,” details the company spokesperson.

DSM recently bolstered its lactase portfolio with a new “one-stop-shop” enzyme for regular and organic lactose-free dairy products. Similar to DSM’s other high-performing lactases, it also supports producers in delivering sought-after sugar-reduced options.

Lake and DSM have held a strategic distribution partnership since 2018, when Lake became distributor for DSM Nutritional Products in the UK.