Spring 2002 Issue — Take a New Look at Cognis Nutrition & Health
Innovation and Growth, Naturally

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If you think of Cognis Nutrition & Health merely as a leading supplier of natural-source antioxidants to the dietary supplements industry, then it's time to think again.

Cognis was established in August 1999 as a carve-out from Henkel KGaA. Then, on November 30 2001, Cognis was acquired from Henkel by investors: the Permira Funds, GS Capital Partners, and the Schroder Ventures Life Sciences Funds. In December, the group was restructured.

As part of the new streamlined organisation, the Nutrition & Health group has introduced a framework for growth, by establishing five market segments through which to focus its products and services. They are:

• Dietary Supplements
• Functional Food and Medical Nutrition
• Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare
• Food Technology
• Animal Nutrition

Cognis is investing in the future and continues to look for more opportunities to grow the company. Earlier this year came the announcement of the near completion of the world's largest stand-alone phytosterols manufacturing facility at Boussens in France. In 2001 Cognis added a wide range of botanicals extracts to its product portfolio through the acquisition of Laboratories Dr. Vinyals S.A. in Spain.

Cognis was, of course, a pioneer in the development and production of natural-source vitamin E and phytosterols more than 35 years ago. Today, the product portfolio is wide-ranging and innovative - from plant-derived antioxidants, sterols, botanicals and mixed carotenoids, to encapsulated fatty acids and medium chain triglycerides - and the group is actively seeking out new natural-source ingredients that are supported by credible science, to fit with existing product lines and become the health enhancing ingredients of the future.

Cognis Nutrition & Health Vice-President Paul Allen says: "Innovation is a watchword at Cognis, as are standards of high quality, experienced technical service and in-depth science support. Above all, in today's world of heightened competition and increasing expectations, we recognise that success depends on meeting our customers' needs in a truly excellent fashion."

He points out that Cognis is well positioned to compete, as a large, multinational company with a global network of resources. He summarises the reasons for group's success and looks to the future:

"In the 80s, it was out investment in science.

In the 90s, it was increasing our capacity while maintaining our high quality standards.

In the 21st century, it will be to continue to identify products that have benefits to human health and to find new products present in nature. These will be naturally-sourced products, in concentrated forms, for health-conscious consumers with busy lifestyles."

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