Univar expands into Tunisia with personal care focus

Global chemical distributor Univar has announced that its legal entity in Tunisia is now fully operational with a primary focus on the personal care sector and other allied sectors.

The firm said the new entity joins its similar entities located in Morocco, Egypt and Algeria, which together form the backbone of it’s North African offering.

Univar distributes a wide variety of chemical products in the Tunisian market for more than a decade, through its French and UK entities, while the new entity will primary focus on the personal care sector and other allied sectors, before entering into the newer markets.

The firm said the Tunisian business is headed by country manager, Eminn Chahed, who will be responsible for growing the local customer base and expanding it’s product portfolio in the region.

Univar Middle East, Africa, Greece, and Turkey regions vice president Nick Powell said the chemical distribution industry in Tunisia is highly fragmented and dominated by domestic players at present.

"There is a significant opportunity for an international distributor like Univar that can leverage a global supply chain but still work closely with customers on the ground," Powell added.

According to the company, the North African market is an attractive region for its partners, who are always looking for good opportunities to expand into active growing markets.

Powell said the firm’s new decision enables it to move with the company’s consumers and suppliers, by aiding them to grow their businesses globally and by providing them with the high standard of service and expertise they are used to.

Univar is a Netherlands-based chemical distributor, whose operations include personal care, food ingredients, oil & gas, and pharma ingredients.

The firm’s portfolio includes 11,000 chemical products such as acids and bases, surfactants, glycols, inorganic compounds, alcohols, as well as general and other specialty chemicals.