Azelis has agreed to buy Euroconsultant, a Polish distributor of flavors, shelf-life extenders and other products for an undisclosed sum. The transaction is expected to complete during the first quarter of 2019.

Euroconsultant’s main business is in the meat segment, though it is diversifying into other food areas such as fish, cheese, dairy and poultry flavors. Azelis said Poland is one of the fastest-growing economies in Europe and a major producer of meat products.

“There is an excellent strategic fit that supports our further growth in Poland and beyond, allowing us to provide an improved product offering and customer reach,” said Renata Bugiel, regional managing director Poland and Ukraine at Azelis. “Meat consumption in Poland is expected to stay high while more customers switch to the use of flavors compared to traditional smoking methods. Azelis already has a lot of expertise in the smoke segment and integration with Euroconsultant will further enhance our position in this market.”

In separate news, Azelis Americas will merge its GMZ and Ribelin brands under the Azelis CASE (coatings, adhesives, sealants elastomers) brand with effect from Feb. 1. The company said the move will streamline interactions, maximize efficiencies and further facilitate continued sustainable growth.

“By consolidating the business under Azelis Americas CASE, we will provide a unified, go-to-market strategy and further strengthen our position in the CASE market,” said Frank Bergonzi, CEO and president of Azelis Americas.

The GMZ and Ribelin brands were originally part of KODA Distribution, which Azelis acquired in December 2015.