Naturex reinforces its position in Latin America with the opening of a Chilean subsidiary
Sources Quillaja saponaria, used in beverages, from the Chilean forest
Naturex is strengthening its position in Latin America in response to growing local demand for natural ingredients. Following the acquisition of Chile Botanics and its factory in Linares in January this year, the group is now opening a sales office in Santiago, Chile.
Part of a network of three sales offices and two factories in Latin America, the Chilean office will be headed by Guillaume Levade, Sales Director – Latin America. It will support the development of three markets: food and beverage, dietary supplements and pharmaceuticals, as well as cosmetics. Chilean customers will benefit from Naturex’s manufacturing expertise and global and local capabilities.
Chile has one of the highest GDPs per capita within the Latin America region and Levade says this confirms the potential of the country for Naturex.
'Combined with the fact that Chile has the most free-trade agreements in the world, we think there is an exceptional opportunity for Naturex to grow our business in this country and facilitate the development of our presence in neighbouring countries,' he said.
The richness of Chile’s natural environment also offers an opportunity for the company since it sources Quillaja saponaria, a native tree rich in saponins from the Chilean forest. Sustainably harvested in partnership with local authorities, the wood is extracted to obtain quillaia extracts with different levels of purity. These extracts are used either to reinforce natural foaming in beverages or act as a natural emulsifier in flavour or colour emulsions and beverages.
