Asia
Our Asian region enjoyed another year with strong organic
growth in all markets and good development in our core
segments. The growth, which could be seen in all parts of
the continent, was experienced within our range of speciality
and semi-speciality products, all offering differentiated functionalities
compared to mainstream products.
AAK’s business in China has developed to a complete
integrated structure. We have seen a rapid transformation
since we established AAK in China, culminating in the
inauguration of our plant in Zhangjiagang in September. The
ramp-up of the plant has developed as expected and will
increase our capacity by approximately 100,000 MT. AAK
has a strong go-to-market organization with a very innovative
approach which offers a great opportunity for our customers
and potential customers.
Our business in Japan progressed and is now a complete
operation offering speciality solutions and a full range of
products, mainly within Chocolate & Confectionary Fats and
Special Nutrition.
AAK Kamani, our Indian company, is a success story.
We continue to be the leading innovation partner within
the industry. India had another year with growth but was
impacted by the demonetization and GST (Goods & Services
Tax) policies implemented by the government. These factors
have had an effect on the momentum in the country but are
expected, in the long run and already in 2018, to provide
a new platform of growth and create solid demand going
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capacity and in operational improvements.
AAK Turkey and the Middle East region saw a great
2017 with many strong improvements, providing AAK with a
leading industry position. We have built on a well-established
operation, which today delivers a very professional co-development
offering to our customers.
As for other regions in Asia, we have successfully
continued to implement the AAK business model, focusing
on co-development and collaboration with customers, either
through our own operations in Malaysia, Singapore and
Australia or through designated partners in other regions and
countries.