UK ingredients player expands to US, questions Chinese quality

UK-based ingredients distributor Direct Food Ingredients has opened an office and warehouse in Los Angeles where it will focus its activities in nutraceuticals and sports nutrition and push its quality credentials.

The 20-year-old firm with turnover expected to push  past €17m  this year said the time was right to make a base in the US to support its “ international expansion plans.”

“Over the past 20 years, we have become an industry leader in the UK and it is now time for us to expand overseas,” said DFI MD Steve Loake.

“Unfortunately many areas of the US market are driven by low quality imports from China so we are keen to bring our dedication to high standards and quality to the US.”

The firm, based in Macclesfield in the north of England, specialises in nutrients for sports nutrition, functional foods, food supplements, vitamin and mineral pre-mixes as well as animal nutrition and pharmaceuticals.

Abe Cortez has been appointed manager of the US operation.