Döhler says ‘aloe’ to 'extraordinary' South African extracts

11-Aug-2014 - Last updated on 12-Aug-2014 at 12:03 GMT

Döhler teams with Afriplex on extracts like aloe vera (pictured) and baobab

German natural ingredients behemoth Döhler is lining up what it is calling an, “extraordinary extract portfolio” of South African ingredients after forming a joint venture with local supplier Afriplex.

Aloe, rooibos, honeybush, hoodia, pelargonium, buchu are baobab are among the candidates for Döhler which has been present in South Africa since 2009 when it opened a sales office.

“The newly established company is a milestone and an important step in growing the business in South Africa and the adjoining countries,” said Hubert Defert, managing director of the new company, Döhler South Africa (Pty) Ltd.

“Thanks to our application centre in Paarl, we are now able to develop region-specific solutions and deliver customised product samples within minimum time.”

Döhler´s plans to beef up distribution via its large existing network in Africa and elsewhere.

Tailored ingredient solutions

Tapping local Southern African taste preferences and its technological and regulatory requirements, was an initial priority, Defart said.

Danie Nel, managing director of Afriplex, said the project would not stop at South Africa however: “In the next few years we will enlarge the new Döhler South Africa (Pty) Ltd site. Besides the investment in state-of-the-art technologies like solvent extraction and fractionation we will further invest in our R&D capabilities to offer best-in-class solutions for our customers.”

He noted many countries in southern Africa have shown double-digit economic growth.