Oleochemical supplier Acme-Hardesty has US feed industry in its sights
A division of Jacob Stern & Sons, Inc., Acme-Hardesty is one of the largest North American distributors of castor oil and derivatives, oleochemical derivatives, bio-based products, preservatives, and surfactants, as well as a full range of renewable palm-based glycerine, fatty acids, fatty alcohols and specialty esters.
It is also a member of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO).
The company outlined how it has been on an expansion drive over the past four years and has now formed a new strategic business unit (SBU), Life Sciences, that it says comprises focuses on nutritional supplements, food and beverage, pharmaceutical ingredients as well as animal feed and supplements. It intends to broaden its reach and capabilities in those segments.
Fatty acids, prebiotics
In terms of the components within its portfolio that are being targeted at the feed industry, Kirsten Landis, marketing manager, Acme-Hardesty, said: “Fatty acids, fatty alcohols, glycerine and MCT, and related derivatives are Acme-Hardesty’s key products that we can focus on in this segment. We are a top supplier of oleochemicals in North America and we leverage our supply chain expertise and innovation to consistently deliver for our customers.
“Acme-Hardesty is presently evaluating several new product concepts involving blends and new sources of oleo chemicals and nutritional supplements. We are also leveraging our expertise in the nutritional supplements segment and evaluating cross-over products, like prebiotics and various protein alternatives, for the animal feed space.”
When asked in what ways would Acme-Hardesty’s products stand out against those of competitors in the feed sector, she told us:
“The quality of our products and supply chain expertise help differentiate Acme-Hardesty versus our competitors. We partner with our key suppliers to buy ahead and stock products accordingly to help mitigate inflation and supply chain volatility. Additionally, Acme-Hardesty is committed to sustainability. We proactively market and sell renewable bio-based product alternatives, strengthen relationships in the communities where we operate, and our bio-based products enable our customers to develop more sustainable solutions.”
In terms of whether the company intends to run feed trials to support its product roll-out in this sector, she said Acme-Hardesty’s often partners with key customers when rolling out new products to “ensure our products meet our customer needs and achieve our innovation objectives.”
Looking at what markets its feed business will be focused on now and longer term, Landis said: “Our main focus is on the US where are supply chain footprint is well established and highly effective. We are looking to expand our product offering and services to Canada and Latin America in the near term, with an eye towards further global expansion in the next few years.”
