ROTTERDAM, Netherlands, May 27, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Univar Solutions B.V., a subsidiary of Univar Solutions Inc. (NYSE: UNVR) ("Univar Solutions" or "the Company"), a global chemical and ingredient distributor and provider of value-added services, announced today that Valio, Ltd., has selected Univar Solutions to distribute its Eila® lactose free milk powders to create new opportunities in the food industry across a number of European countries including Sweden, United Kingdom, Ireland, Benelux (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg), France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Greece. The product range will allow food manufacturers in the region to deliver new recipes that satisfy the growing consumer trend around lactose free products.
With this exclusive agreement, Univar Solutions is well-positioned to meet the needs of manufacturers for confectionery, ice cream, dairy, bakery, ready meal, special nutrition and other products, who are seeking an increasing amount of lactose free solutions. Products made with Valio Eila® lactose free ingredients provide a number of benefits, including aiding in digestive comfort, while providing nutritional value. In addition, they offer natural sugar reduction and protein enrichment. These ingredients offer lactose intolerant individuals the opportunity to enjoy dairy based products without unpleasant symptoms caused by indigestion.
"With increased consumer awareness of digestive wellness and market growth in "free from" products across Europe, our partnership with Valio on their Eila® range of lactose free ingredients provides Univar Solutions with an exciting, new opportunity. These unique ingredients will further expand our portfolio and enhance our value to all customers seeking to develop innovative recipes with a lactose free claim across multiple categories," said Simon Atkins, industry director of food ingredients in Europe, Middle East and Africa for Univar Solutions.
Approximately 70 percent of the world's population suffers from some level of lactose intolerance. As the awareness of digestive wellness and lactose intolerance is increasing all over the world, consumers are looking for lactose free solutions that don't compromise on premium quality and taste in their food. Eila® PRO lactose free milk powders are manufactured from fresh Finnish milk using Valio's patented technology for an unchanged milk mineral composition and natural taste of milk.
Timo Pajari, SVP international sales for Valio Ltd. said, "We are excited to partner with Univar Solutions in expanding our footprint in the lactose free food space. Consumers have become more educated and aware of digestive wellness and the benefits of a "free from" diet and are looking for more options in lactose free products. We can provide customized, free-from ingredient solutions to the European market, and with Univar Solutions we know we have chosen the right partner. With their extensive market reach, technical expertise and collaborative approach to supplier partnerships, together, we are looking forward to a productive and fulfilling journey."
About Univar Solutions
Univar Solutions (NYSE: UNVR) is a leading global specialty chemical and ingredient distributor representing a premier portfolio from the world's leading producers. With the industry's largest private transportation fleet and North American sales force, unparalleled logistics know-how, deep market and regulatory knowledge, world-class formulation and recipe development, and leading digital tools the company is well-positioned to offer tailored solutions and value-added services to a wide range of markets, industries, and applications. Univar Solutions is committed to helping customers and suppliers innovate and grow together. Learn more at www.univarsolutions.com.
About Valio Ltd.
Valio, offering the taste of Nordic nature since 1905, is a brand leader and the biggest dairy business in Finland. The company is owned by dairy cooperatives comprising 4,700 dairy farmers and is a major player in the international dairy ingredients market.
Well-being is at the heart of Valio's world leading technology innovations, expertise and products that are made from clean Finnish milk and other ingredients. Their product development follows in the footsteps of Nobel Prize winner A. I. Virtanen, and the company holds 350 patents in 50 countries. Valio's efforts to improve animal wellbeing are resolute, knowing that only healthy cows can produce premium milk products. Valio's milk ranks among the cleanest in the world, and the company has zero tolerance for antibiotic residue in milk.
Valio has net sales of EUR 1.78 billion and is Finland's biggest food exporter. Valio products are found in 60 countries and account for 25 percent of Finland's total food exports. Valio seeks strong growth in international markets and has subsidiaries in Russia, Sweden, the Baltics, the United States, and China.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes certain statements relating to future events and our intentions, beliefs, expectations, and predictions for the future, which are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which may be beyond the Company's control. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations and assumptions. A detailed discussion of these factors and uncertainties is contained in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Potential factors that could affect such forward-looking statements include, among others: the ultimate geographic spread of the COVID-19 pandemic; the duration and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic; actions that may be taken by governmental authorities to address or otherwise mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; the potential negative impacts of COVID-19 on the global economy and our customers and suppliers; the overall impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business, results of operations and financial condition; other fluctuations in general economic conditions, particularly in industrial production and the demands of our customers; significant changes in the business strategies of producers or in the operations of our customers; increased competitive pressures, including as a result of competitor consolidation; significant changes in the pricing, demand and availability of chemicals; our levels of indebtedness, the restrictions imposed by our debt instruments, and our ability to obtain additional financing when needed; the broad spectrum of laws and regulations that we are subject to, including extensive environmental, health and safety laws and regulations; an inability to integrate the business and systems of companies we acquire, including of Nexeo Solutions, Inc., or to realize the anticipated benefits of such acquisitions; potential business disruptions and security breaches, including cybersecurity incidents; an inability to generate sufficient working capital; increases in transportation and fuel costs and changes in our relationship with third party providers; accidents, safety failures, environmental damage, product quality and liability issues and recalls; major or systemic delivery failures involving our distribution network or the products we carry; operational risks for which we may not be adequately insured; ongoing litigation and other legal and regulatory risks; challenges associated with international operations; exposure to interest rate and currency fluctuations; potential impairment of goodwill; liabilities associated with acquisitions, ventures and strategic investments; negative developments affecting our pension plans and multi-employer pensions; labor disruptions associated with the unionized portion of our workforce; and the other factors described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We caution you that the forward-looking information presented in this press release is not a guarantee of future events or results, and that actual events or results may differ materially from those made in or suggested by the forward-looking information contained in this press release. In addition, forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may," "plan," "seek, "will," "expect," "intend," "estimate," "anticipate," "believe" or "continue" or the negative thereof or variations thereon or similar terminology. Any forward-looking information presented herein is made only as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information to reflect changes in assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events, or otherwise, except as required by law.