# Functional Ingredient Distribution Agreements Univar Solutions Partners with Ashland By Kalin Ned | Published 2026-01-27 | Business Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/univar-solutions References: [marketscreener](https://www.marketscreener.com/news/univar-solutions-b-v-and-ashland-forge-exclusive-partnership-for-cellulose-ethers-in-food-and-bever-ce7e5bd8da8fff20)  Univar Solutions B.V., a subsidiary of Univar Solutions, has entered into an exclusive distribution agreement with Ashland. Facilitated through Foodology by Univar Solutions division, this partnership will supply a range of cellulose ethers and related specialty ingredients to the food and beverage manufacturing sector across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. At its core, the collaboration is structured to provide enhanced access to functional ingredients such as methylcellulose and carboxymethylcellulose, which are utilized to modify texture, stability, and processing characteristics in various food products. The collaboration is supported by [Univar Solutions'](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/food-and-beverage-development) existing distribution infrastructure and technical resources, including specialized test kitchens. This venture may potentially streamline procurement and ensure consistent supply chain logistics. The partnership will certainly be of interest to manufacturers in categories like plant-based meats, vegan dairy alternatives, or gluten-free baked goods. Image Credit: Ashland ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.1/10 - Popularity: 26% | Activity: 34% | Freshness: 63% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/business) > [Market](https://www.trendhunter.com/market) ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Creamy Plant-Based Food Ingredients](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ingredion-and-cosaic.md) - [Dry-Molded Fiber Bottle Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/avantium-and-bottle-collective.md) - [Nutritional Supplement Delivery Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nutritional-supplement-delivery.md) - [Fermented Ingredient Flavorings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/isobionics-natural-ingredients.md) - [Free-From Plant-Based Food Blends](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/texturizing-blend.md) - [Cellulose-Based Food Colorings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oterra-and-seprify.md) - [Functional Fungi Innovation Labs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/m2-center-of-innovation.md) - [Comprehensive Product Development Facilities](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/food-and-beverage-development.md) - [Citrus-Based Fiber Ingredients](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ingredion-fibertex.md)