AAK sustainability report 2018

4 AAK in the world A global perspective AAK provides tailored vegetable oil solutions to the global food, confectionery and cosmetics industries. Leading businesses worldwide rely on our expertise, experience and innovation to deliver lasting value in markets shaped by shifting consumer trends. After more than a century in the business, we deliver the highest quality made from natural and renewable raw materials. Our products are derived from a wide range of raw materials, such as coconuts, palm fruits and kernels, rapeseed, shea kernels, soy beans and sunflower seeds, which are responsibly sourced from all over the world. AAK connects to a broad range of customers in markets worldwide through our global network of production sites, sales offices and network of agents and distributors. We utilize and add value to the natural properties of vegetable oils and fats and then work closely with customers across the value chain to create solutions tailored to their product development goals. An essential ingredient Fat is often misunderstood as a food ingredient. Contrary to popular belief, it is essential for us to maintain a healthy body. We need fat for energy, to absorb vitamins, produce hormones and to provide us with important fatty acids that our bodies are unable to synthesize. Over many decades, AAK has developed an unparal- leled depth of experience and know-how regarding the properties, benefits and attributes of fats. This allows us to create highly specialized solutions for customers that support their production process and enhance the quality and value of their end-products. 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 bring the most value by working in close collaboration to deliver the most effective outcome 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. 4