AAK Annual Report 2018

13 Launch Prove Implement Ideate Create The five value-adding stages of AAK’s Co-Development approach One size does not fit all We understand that customers come with their own unique challenges, and therefore require customized solutions to get the results they need to stay compe­ titive. To this end, our multi-oil and multi-process approach gives us an unmatched capability to provide products tailored to specific needs, while our worldwide network of Customer Innovation Centers and production facilities enables us to act effectively as both a local and global partner. Exceptional multi-functional solutions We make products with excellent nutritional and functional value, with outstanding structure, melting and crystallization behavior, rheological properties, flavor release and skin penetration. This enables us to meet specific customer requirements for improved health profile, taste, processing, logistics, labeling and legal requirements. In every case, our technical and commer- cial experts work closely with customers to identify the optimal solution. A focus on health Many customer demands are inspired by consumer health trends. This is an area we take very seriously, not least to support a customer’s product development strategy. Here our expertise has enabled us to maintain high product functionality while reducing the majority of saturated fat solutions, believed to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Driving down costs At AAK, we are constantly striving to reduce raw mate- rials and processing costs, but never at the expense of our own high-quality standards. By finding new ways to operate more efficiently, we can help customers strengthen their bottom-line results. We see this as vital to help maintain their growth and development, espe- cially as we work in a highly competitive market where retailers continue to challenge food manufacturers. Sustainability is about future growth Sustainable growth is a cornerstone of our company. For us, it is about taking responsibility towards all our key stakeholders, including the local communities where we operate, customers, employees, investors, and suppliers. The foundation of our model for sustainable growth incorporates the ten principles of the UN Global Compact, the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, and our own policies and codes. This ensures our company maintains the sound business ethics we are known for, as well as a profound understanding of our responsibility for safeguarding customer brands. Co-Development creates value One of AAK’s greatest strengths is our unique co- development approach. This was born from our strong relationships with customers, where we could bring the most value by working proactively in close collab- oration to deliver value-adding results at every stage. This methodology enables us to work as an efficient team from idea to launch, drawing upon the right expertise at the right time to create solutions with better ideation, faster development times and more effective implementation.