DKSH has extended its distribution agreement with Kahai, a leading producer and manufacturer of Cacay tree products, including Cacay Oil, a powerful, natural cell regenerator for skin and haircare, in Canada and the USA. By leveraging its robust distribution network and value-added services, DKSH will boost the growth for both Kahai and DKSH across North America.
Zurich, Switzerland, August 16, 2024 – DKSH’s Business Unit Performance Materials, a leading distributor of specialty chemicals and ingredients, will provide business development, marketing, sales, logistics, and distribution services for Kahai’s Cacay Oil, a groundbreaking ingredient for the natural, clean skincare and hair care industry.
Kahai’s Cacay Oil, also known as “Amazon Gold”, is a light-textured, cold-pressed oil from the Cacay tree nuts. It has proven efficacy in reducing wrinkles, promoting cell regeneration, providing hydration, enhancing skin luminosity, improving firmness, and boosting elasticity. A recent comprehensive study by Kahai in Brazil proved that Cacay Oil outperforms argan oil in hair care, showing significant benefits for thermal protection, hair gloss increase, split ends repair and frizz control.
Additionally, Kahai’s Cacay Oil has been certified for use in China, attesting to its safety and quality and opening vast opportunities for companies aiming to incorporate this ingredient into their products. With this certification, Kahai stands out as the sole provider of China-compliant Cacay Oil, offering a competitive edge to its partners.
Kahai is committed to sustainability and aims to achieve “Zero Waste” by fully utilizing the fruit and by-products from the Cacay tree. The company also leads efforts to reforest 5,000 hectares in Colombia’s Orinoco and Amazon regions. These initiatives provide income for over 200 peasant and indigenous families, highlighting the company's dedication to environmental and social responsibility.
Building on a successful partnership in European markets such as Germany, France, United Kingdom, and Spain, DKSH has been entrusted to grow Kahai’s business in Canada and the USA thanks to its extensive distribution network, knowledgeable commercial and technical teams, strong logistics capabilities, and valued services, including innovation, formulation, and market research and analysis.
Camilo Jaramillo, Co-founder, Kahai Oil, commented: “After ten years of working with DKSH in Europe, we are now expanding our cooperation to North America. Together, we aim to make Cacay Oil the new trend in natural and clean cosmetics, building on the social and environmental impact we are generating in Colombia.”
Michelle Delac, Vice President, Global Personal Care Industry, Performance Materials, DKSH, commented: “We are delighted to extend our partnership with Kahai to distribute their high-quality Cacay Oil, which offers outstanding benefits for skincare and haircare. Our collaboration will introduce this exceptional ingredient to new markets, driving innovation and growth for the personal care sector in Canada and the USA.”
About Kahai
Kahai is the first company globally to industrialize "Cacay," an Amazonian tree known for its flavorful nuts, which yield a precious cosmetic oil and highly nutritious protein. Kahai's mission is to establish the Cacay crop as a sustainable economic development alternative and elevate it as Colombia's biodiversity icon. Committed to quality and sustainability in producing, transforming, and commercializing Cacay products, Kahai has developed specialized machinery for processing the nuts, oil, and protein. They strive for "Zero Waste" by fully utilizing the fruit and its byproducts, thereby generating income for over 500 peasant and indigenous families in conflict zones. With more than 650 hectares of their own plantations, Kahai is leading initiatives to reforest 5,000 hectares with Cacay in Colombia's Orinoco and Amazon regions. www.kahai.co
About DKSH
DKSH’s purpose is to enrich people’s lives. For almost 160 years, DKSH has been delivering growth for companies in Asia and beyond across its Business Units Healthcare, Consumer Goods, Performance Materials, and Technology. As a leading Market Expansion Services provider, DKSH offers sourcing, market insights, marketing and sales, eCommerce, distribution and logistics as well as after-sales services. DKSH is a participant of the United Nations Global Compact and adheres to its principles-based approach to responsible business. Listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange, DKSH operates in 36 markets with 29,040 specialists, generating net sales of CHF 11.1 billion in 2023. DKSH Business Unit Performance Materials distributes specialty chemicals and ingredients for food, pharmaceutical, personal care, and various industrial applications. With 53 innovation centers and regulatory support worldwide, DKSH creates cutting-edge formulations that comply with local regulations. With around 1,600 specialists, the Business Unit generated net sales of CHF 1.4 billion in 2023. www.dksh.com/pm