Interviews with Univar Solutions and with IMCD
Jorge Buckup President – Latin America
UNIVAR SOLUTIONS
How did Univar Solutions perform in Latin America in 2024 and early 2025?
Univar Solutions delivered strong 2024 results in Latin America, outperforming the industry in a number of areas. The integration of ChemSol in Central America fueled expansion and cultural alignment. In early 2025, despite US tariff impacts and currency volatility, we have continued to see growth opportunities throughout the region.
Agriculture led sector growth, alongside solid momentum in food, beauty, personal care, and rubber markets.
Strategic expansion of supplier relationships – such as with Cabot, Arxada and Phenbiox – and extending partnerships across new countries have further fueled growth. Combined with targeted M&A to close product gaps and enter new markets, Univar Solutions is reinforcing its leadership and long-term commitment to Latin America.
What do you see as Univar Solutions’ differentiating factors in the chemical distribution industry?
Our global scale and local execution remain key differentiators in Latin America. Univar Solutions leverages global expertise – drawing on technical knowledge, innovation, and cross-border collaboration – while executing with agility through local teams. Our Solution Centers across the region further support this approach, enabling real-time innovation and co-development with customers on the ground. The company operates two of its top five global Solution Centers in the region, in Mexico and Brazil, which provide technical support across industries. These centers deliver formulation, regulatory, and application expertise that customers and suppliers highly value.
With 2025’s trade tensions, is nearshoring still as strong of an opportunity for Latin America?
Across industry, nearshoring continues to present a strong growth opportunity in Latin America – especially in Mexico, where major investment decisions have been made in recent years.
Despite the impact of new tariffs in 2025, Univar Solutions sees lasting value in Mexico’s competitive cost structure and highly skilled workforce.
Alessandro Moraes President and MD South Latin America
IMCD
What highlights can you share from the past year at IMCD?
Despite last year’s challenges, IMCD was able to navigate this period with top-line and bottom-line growth and expanded its presence across multiple countries. In Latin America, IMCD has completed three key acquisitions over the past year: Bretano, focusing on food and other markets in Central America and Mexico; Blumos Group in Chile, targeting food and nutrition, home care and industrial segments; and Apus Química in Chile, strengthening its polymers portfolio.
In which market segments has IMCD seen growth recently?
We see stronger growth in life science related areas such as pharmaceuticals, personal care, food, and nutrition. These segments benefit from consistent consumer demand for essential products, unlike industrial sectors like coating or plastics, where demand is slower or stagnant.
IMCD achieved EcoVadis Platinum at the global level in 2025. How is this commitment to sustainability implemented in Latin America?
Last October, IMCD Brazil hosted its first sustainability summit, focusing on reducing the industry’s carbon footprint. Attendance at the event exceeded expectations, highlighting strong market interest. Operationally, IMCD Brazil, currently certified EcoVadis Gold, is actively pursuing Platinum status. Initiatives include switching warehouse energy to wind power, replacing gas forklifts with electric models, and running company cars on ethanol.
Where is IMCD focused in its digital transformation?
IMCD is currently not very active in AI but is learning and exploring its integration, particularly regarding intellectual property. Digitalization and innovation are priorities, with ongoing efforts to upgrade internal operations and integrate ERPs as foundational steps.
What are IMCD’s objectives for 2025?
IMCD’s objective is to remain the leading specialty chemical distributor in the market. To achieve this, the company will continue collaborating with its principals to develop innovative solutions. Significant investments have been made in infrastructure, including expanded laboratories in Brazil and increased presence across multiple countries.