Univar Solutions and Ashland announce exclusive cellulose ether distribution deal for EMEA food and beverage sector
Univar Solutions has entered into an exclusive distribution agreement with speciality chemicals company Ashland Inc. to supply cellulose ether derivatives and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVPP) to food and beverage manufacturers across EMEA, effective 1 January 2026.
The partnership operates through Foodology by Univar Solutions, the company’s food and nutrition business unit, and covers a portfolio of functional hydrocolloids including methylcellulose (MC), hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC), and ethylcellulose (EC), alongside PVPP.
Applications and functional properties
Cellulose ethers are widely used in food manufacturing as texture modifiers, stabilisers, and processing aids. Their thermogelling behaviour and water-binding capacity make them particularly relevant in plantbased meat analogues, vegan food systems, and gluten-free bakery formulations – segments that have seen sustained growth in European and Middle Eastern markets.
Aaron Lee, global vice president of Health & Nutrition for Univar Solutions, said: “We’re excited to broaden our cellulose ether offerings across EMEA, especially as the demand for alternative and plant-based proteins continues to accelerate in the nutrition space.”
Phased rollout across EMEA
The agreement covers a phased geographic expansion. From 1 January 2026, the partnership is active in the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Hungary. Distribution to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, and Oman was due to follow on 1 March 2026, with Turkey joining on 1 April 2026.
Ashland’s senior vice president and general manager for life sciences and intermediates, Alessandra Faccin Assis, described the commercial benefit: “This new alliance between Ashland and Univar Solutions will provide significant value to our customers through enhanced product availability, faster delivery, specialised expertise, and improved support services partnerships.”
Technical support infrastructure
Formulation and application development will be supported through Foodology’s network of Solution Centres, including a flagship test kitchen located in Essen, Germany. This facility provides food manufacturers with access to applied technical expertise for product development work across the covered ingredient categories.
For more information, visit: univarsolutions.com and ashland.com
