Multinational specialty feed additives producer Nutriad announced that it has reached an agreement with Watanabe Chemicals to distribute its’ products in Japan.

According to the announcement, this will allow Nutriad to become the first European producer to introduce a sodium butyrate portfolio into the Japanese market. The step further confirms Nutriad’s growth strategy in Asia.

With an annual feed production of 24 million metric tons, Japan is a global top 10 producer. The country’s industry is advanced in terms of production technology, with strong nutritional and veterinarian knowledge, Nutriad said. Like several other countries in Asia, Japan is aiming to move away from its’ dependency on antimicrobial growth promoters.

Nutriad chief executive officer Erik Visser signed an agreement with Watanabe president Shigehiro Hatanaka, in the presence of Watanabe’s main sub-distributor Rokku.

“For several years Nutriad has been coming to Japan to find the right partner to develop our portfolio in this important market. In Watanabe, we have found that partner. Over the past two years, we have built the relation with Watanabe, analyzed the potential for our products, learned about the specific local challenges and trained staff of Watanabe and Rokku,” Visser said.

“We are delighted to announce our partnership with Nutriad,” Hatanaka said. “Both Nutriad and Watanabe value trust, honesty and commitment, which are building blocks for a long-term relationship. The portfolio, scientific data and technical support of Nutriad will be well received in Japan.”

Visser explained that “the initial focus will be on the introduction of our Adimix and Apex range in poultry, swine and ruminants, building on Watanabe’s strong distribution network. These products fit in a strategy to reduce the dependency on AGP-s. In the second half of this year, we will announce next steps on the launch of the broader Nutriad portfolio.”

Nutriad delivers products and services to more than 80 countries through a network of own sales offices and distributors, supported by four application laboratories and five manufacturing facilities on three continents.