UFA, RUSSIA — Univar L.L.C., a subsidiary of Univar Inc., has reached an agreement with Novozymes under which Univar will distribute Novozymes’ baking ingredient solutions in Russia.

“Rising consumer expectations for bread quality and recent regulations aiming to decrease bread returns, and consequently bread waste, will drive interest for Novozymes’ proven solutions,” said Christian Hertz, head of distribution, Novozymes. “Additionally, the growing trend toward health and wellness awareness is shaping the product portfolio of bread manufacturers, which increases the need for innovation. Novozymes looks forward to expanding the availability of these solutions through the cooperation with Univar Solutions.”

Paul Harvey, commercial manager in Europe, Middle East and Africa for Univar, said the collaboration with Novozymes provides Univar Solutions “an exciting opportunity to invest in expanding our food ingredients business into Russia.”

“We see significant growth potential for the Novozymes portfolio to provide innovative process solutions to the baking industry with the support of our new bakery team,” Mr. Harvey said.

The companies said the initial focus will be on developing opportunities for the baking industry within the Moscow and St. Petersburg regions. The two regions account for approximately 50% of the total Russian bakery market, Univar said.

Specifically, Univar said it will focus on improving the freshness and quality of baked foods using Novozymes Novamyl baking freshness enzyme. According to the companies, Novamyl may be used with bread, buns, rolls and lean sweet baked foods to help improve a product’s moistness, crumb softness, elasticity and mouthfeel during storage.