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intensive development. This includes demands for
sustainable, ethical production, where producers accept
responsibility for social issues and the environmental
impact of their operations. AAK operates on the basis of
an organic growth and selective acquisition strategy. A
strong balance sheet has laid the financial foundations
for future acquisitions.
There is intense competition in the industry. Several
global competitors deliver large volumes of bulk
products with limited margins. Our response is to focus
more on products with better margins and higher value.
These include confectionery products and cosmetics,
as well as value-adding ingredients for the bakery, dairy
and infant nutrition industries.
Health trends
We are able to adapt our product range quickly to
the latest trends in the health debate. This is mainly
because we work with all types of vegetable oils
and can reformulate our products to meet customer
needs. We focus strongly on co-development with our
customers. This limits the risks involved in commercializing
new products.
Regulatory measures also pose a risk. Active
involvement in Corporate Social Responsibility-related
issues is, therefore, becoming increasingly important to
forestall legislation on issues that are a natural development
of human requirements.
Changes in external factors
Business operations are affected by raw material
prices, transport costs, energy prices, interest rates
and exchange rates. Our employees are experienced
in reacting quickly to changes in external factors and
adapting operations, products and services to customer
needs.