Lecithin is an ingredient that is gaining the attention among the market today, because of the health benefits it affords consumers. An essential fat that’s naturally occurring in soybeans and egg yolks, this is a natural emulsifier that’s typically incorporated in food items, medicines and other beauty products. It can be produced from plant-based oils such as rapeseed, soy and sunflower.

To further expand its footprint in Europe and reach their goal of becoming the world’s leading supplier of specialty lecithin, AAK has acquired BIC Ingredients. The former will add BIC’s offerings to its current Akolec® brand of lecithins.

BIC Ingredients is a company that rolls out non-GM specialty lecithin and lecithin compounds, and other plant-based protein ingredients. Based in the Netherlands, the company is passionate about creating sustainable solutions for its clients.

Alec van Veldhoven, Commercial Director at AAK Natural Emulsifiers, said: “BIC Ingredients is a natural fit with our business. 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.”

Harro de Groot, CEO of BIC International Holding, said: “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. 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 has been in the business of Making Better Happen™ for 150 years by transforming plant-based oils into value-added ingredients. Based in Sweden, the company currently has over 20 production facilities and 15 dedicated Customer Innovation Centers.