AAK will acquire BIC Ingredients, the lecithin arm of BIC International Holding, to increase its footprint in the European lecithin market and support its vision of becoming a leading supplier of speciality lecithin.

BIC Ingredients supplies non-GM speciality lecithin and lecithin compounds. The company, based in the Netherlands, sources its raw materials from around the world. Lecithin is a natural emulsifier produced from plant-based oils such as soy, sunflower and rapeseed.

“I am pleased for our customers that BIC’s lecithin business will now be integrated into AAK’s co-development approach, focusing on finding solutions for the customers we serve, alongside our current high standards of quality assurance,” said Harro de Groot, CEO of BIC International Holding. “My team and myself will remain involved in the business and will continue to support AAK’s Natural Emulsifiersteam over the next three years. This transaction will further enable BIC International Holding to increase its focus on plant-based protein through our entity BIC Protein."

AAK will integrate BIC Ingredients’ products into its current portfolio of speciality lecithins, sold under the Akolec brand.

“BIC Ingredients is a natural fit with our business,” said Alec van Veldhoven, commercial director, AAK Natural Emulsifiers. “BIC’s existing lecithin customers will now be able to benefit from AAK’s unique customer co-development approach, which is driven by customer needs, built on collaboration, and geared for better success rates and lasting value. By expanding our portfolio further, we will be able to create even better solutions in close collaboration with our customers globally.”