MONHEIM, Germany - Global specialty chemicals supplier Cognis has opened a branch office in Auckland, New Zealand, to manage the marketing and sales of its products in the country. The decision to open the office reflects the significant opportunity that exists to profitably grow both new and existing business in New Zealand. It will further strengthen the company’s ties with its local customers and improve its understanding of local consumer markets.

 

Cognis has achieved success by focusing on areas with high growth potential. This is why the company is increasingly devoting resources to its operations in the Asia-Pacific region, which is now its third-biggest market behind Europe and North America. Up until now, Cognis’ products have been distributed by Henkel New Zealand, but with the opening of the new office, it will manage the marketing and sales of its products in New Zealand directly.

 

The office will represent the interests of all three of Cognis’ strategic business units – Care Chemicals, Nutrition & Health, and Functional Products. It will be responsible for strengthening relationships with existing customers, identifying and initiating new business opportunities, and promoting the Cognis brand. A New Zealand Market Segment Manager has been appointed for each business unit: Peter Gibson for Care Chemicals, Vinod Sareen for Functional Products and Domnic Lobo for Nutrition & Health.