Zuellig Industrial

What Zuellig Industrial does

Zuellig Industrial is a Thailand-headquartered, privately held B2B industrial distribution and solutions provider operating across Southeast Asia and Australia, organized into three specialized business units. ZI-CHEM supplies water treatment programs and specialty industrial chemicals (cooling water microbiological control, boiler treatment, RO membrane protection, corrosion inhibitors, dust suppressants) to refineries, power plants, sugar mills, and manufacturing facilities, with documented outcomes such as zero hydrocarbon leaks over a year at Thai Oil and 4+ year RO membrane life extension at a Sumatran power plant. ZI-TEC distributes technical equipment, power tools, surveying instruments, conveyor belting, packaging machinery (including Floeter AirWave air cushion systems), security seals, and inkjet coding under exclusive agreements with brands such as Pferd, geo-FENNEL, BDS Maschinen, Habasit, and Kyocera/Ryobi, reaching customers through thousands of dealers and a HomePro retail partnership in Thailand. ZI-LIFE distributes food and fine ingredients (notably AAK specialty oils and fats, plant-based proteins) and industrial & specialty chemicals for personal care (BASF cosmetic pigments, Evonik skin care actives), supplemented by an Italian Coffee Services line acquired in 2023 and the recently launched BiteWise plant-based meat brand.

The company monetizes primarily through technical product resale under exclusive distribution agreements with international principals, layered with value-added services such as field evaluation, application development, and after-sales support. Its technology footprint is rooted in applied chemistry, equipment integration, and formulation know-how rather than software or digital platforms, with dedicated application laboratories at the Ploenchit Center headquarters and a ZI-CHEM analytical laboratory in Cikarang, Indonesia. Customer concentration spans large enterprise accounts (ThaiBev, Thai Oil, Mitr Phol, Indonesian mining and palm oil operators) on the chemicals/ingredients side and a long tail of dealer and retail customers on the tools side, with a sales-led and channel-partner go-to-market executed through direct enterprise sales, dealer networks, and event-driven trade show presence.

Zuellig Industrial is a wholly owned member of the Zuellig Group, founded in 1901 in the Philippines and expanded into Thailand in 1949, with current operations across Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Myanmar, and a historical Australian presence. Leadership includes Dr. Daniel Zuellig as Chairman and Allan Vich Nivatvongs as CEO. The company has actively rationalized and refreshed its portfolio in recent years, divesting ZI-ARGUS to Automation Tooling Systems in 2023, acquiring Italian Coffee Service in 2023, and launching the BiteWise own-brand in 2025.

Name

Zuellig Industrial

Legal name

Zuellig Industrial Group

Website

https://zuelligindustrial.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1949

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

Zuellig Industrial is a Thailand-based B2B industrial distribution and solutions provider serving Southeast Asia through three business units: ZI-CHEM (water treatment chemicals), ZI-TEC (tools, equipment, packaging), and ZI-LIFE (food and personal care ingredients). It holds exclusive distribution agreements with international principals and serves enterprise and dealer customers across the region.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Distribution and Technical Solutions

NAICS

Instruments and Related Products Manufacturing for Measuring, Displaying, and Controlling Industrial Process Variables (334513), Industrial Machinery Manufacturing (33324)

SIC

Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823)

akta.pro primary industry

Process Analytical Instrumentation (Gas analyzers, spectroscopy, pH/ORP, conductivity) (IMAGAFAE)

Keywords

• Industrial chemical distribution
• Water treatment solutions
• Power tools distribution
• Food ingredients supply
• Personal care ingredients

Headquarters

HQ city

Khet Bangkok Noi

HQ country

Thailand

HQ region

Asia

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Technical Products Distribution: Distribution of specialized technical products including tools, equipment, industrial chemicals, and ingredients through exclusive distribution agreements with international manufacturers across Asia Pacific.
2. Value-Added Solutions and Services: Technical services including water treatment solutions, application support, field evaluation, performance verification, and after-sales service for industrial customers.
3. Chemical Products (ZI-CHEM): Sale of specialty water treatment chemicals and industrial chemical solutions for cooling systems, boilers, RO membranes, and process applications.
4. Tools and Equipment Distribution (ZI-TEC): Distribution of power tools, surveying instruments, belting systems, packaging machinery, and related equipment from international brands.
5. Food and Personal Care Ingredients (ZI-LIFE): Distribution of food ingredients, fine ingredients, cosmetic chemicals, and personal care ingredients from global suppliers.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Zuellig Industrial is a B2B distributor and technical solutions provider in Asia Pacific, operating through three business units. ZI-CHEM supplies water treatment chemicals and industrial specialty chemicals for cooling systems, boilers, RO membranes, corrosion control, and process applications. ZI-TEC distributes power tools, measuring instruments, conveyor belting, and packaging machinery under exclusive brands. ZI-LIFE supplies food and beverage ingredients, personal care and home care specialty chemicals, and Italian food service products, supported by application development laboratories.

Product overview

Zuellig Industrial is organized into three specialized business units operating as a B2B distribution and solutions provider in the Asia-Pacific region. ZI-CHEM provides water treatment solutions and industrial specialty chemicals including corrosion protection, biocides, and dust suppressants. ZI-TEC distributes technical equipment, tools (power tools, measuring tools), belting systems, packaging solutions, security seals, and inkjet coding solutions. ZI-LIFE supplies ingredients for food and beverage industries (Food & Fine Ingredients) and chemicals for personal care and home care (Industrial & Specialty Chemicals), plus food services featuring Italian products. The company also launched BiteWise as its own plant-based meat brand. Together, the units serve manufacturing, construction, food processing, cosmetics, and water treatment industries across Southeast Asia.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• BiteWise: Innovative plant-based meat brand
• BiteWise

Products and services

• ZI-CHEM Water Treatment Solutions Comprehensive water treatment programs including cooling water systems, boiler treatment, reverse osmosis membrane protection, and industrial wastewater solutions for refineries, power plants, and manufacturing facilities.
• ZI-CHEM Specialty Chemicals Industrial specialty chemicals including chloride-free oxidizing biocides, biodispersants, corrosion inhibitors, dust suppressants, and ethylene absorbers for various industrial applications.
• ZI-TEC Tools Distribution Distribution of power tools, measuring instruments, drilling machines, magnetic drills, annular cutters, plate beveling machines, and finishing tools for industrial, construction, and metal processing applications.
• ZI-TEC Belting Systems Conveyor belting solutions including Habasit conveyor belts and Flexco mechanical belt fastening systems, providing durability, precision, and efficiency for various industrial applications.
• ZI-TEC Packaging Solutions Packaging machinery and materials including air cushion systems (Floeter AirWave, PaperWave), strapping machines, shrink machines, and sealing machines for industrial and e-commerce packaging applications.
• ZI-LIFE Food & Fine Ingredients (FFI) Food and beverage ingredients including tea and herbal extracts, coffee extracts, cold soluble gelatin, cheese powder, milk caramel powder, yoghurt powder, and specialty vegetable oils and fats (AAK products) for food manufacturers.
• ZI-LIFE Industrial & Specialty Chemicals (ISC) Personal care and home care ingredients including cosmetic pigments (BASF Colors & Effects), skin care actives (Evonik), beauty formulations, biotechnology ingredients, and sustainability-focused ingredients for cosmetics and personal care manufacturers.
• ZI-LIFE Food Services Italian food and beverage products including Caffè Motta coffee, Punto Italia espresso, Olio Dante olive oil, Terre Cevico wines, and Aceto del Duca vinegar, distributed through the acquired Italian Coffee Service (ICS) business.
• BiteWise Plant-Based Meat Innovative plant-based meat brand using 100% natural soy flour with Clean Label and Non-GMO credentials, produced using extrusion technology (Nexnoa) for texture and taste similar to conventional meat, showcased to food manufacturers at THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2025.
• FucoSkin Distribution Premium Fucoidan-based skincare ingredients from Hi-Q Marine Biotech Taiwan, distributed exclusively by ZI-LIFE ISC in Thailand for blue cosmetics applications.

Quantifiable outcome

• Zero hydrocarbon leaks achieved for Thai Oil cooling systems for one full year after implementing ZI-CHEM water treatment program
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

22 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• PB LeinercoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 17 February 2026PB Leiner signed agreement with 'Dearest' brand to introduce new collagen product. ZI-LIFE highlighted this milestone as part of strategic supplier partnership strengthening sustainable business growth.
• Hyundai Corporation GroupminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 May 2025ZI-LIFE partnered with Hyundai Corporation Group and Bereum Co., Ltd. to host Korean Postbiotics Seminar 2025, showcasing innovations from Korea's health and nutrition sectors.
• Bereum Co., Ltd.minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 May 2025ZI-LIFE partnered with Bereum Co., Ltd. and Hyundai Corporation Group to host Korean Postbiotics Seminar 2025 bridging science with innovation and trends.
• Hi-Q Marine BiotechcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 21 September 2024ZI-LIFE ISC appointed as authorized distributor in Thailand for FucoSkin from Hi-Q Marine Biotech, Taiwan. Hi-Q is at the forefront of marine biotechnology developing high-quality health and skincare products sourced from the blue ocean with Fucoidan ingredients.
• BioliecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 21 September 2024ZI-LIFE ISC partnered with BIOLIE, a specialist in White Biotechnology renowned for its solvent-free enzyme-assisted aqueous extraction technology. Portfolio includes vegetable oils, natural-colored oils, active vegetable water, and botanical extracts.
• Health InnotechminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 March 2023ZI-LIFE (FFI) together with Health Innotech and Pharmamark Nutrition organized seminar on FOS and LCPUFA for health and nutrition insights.
• Pharmamark NutritionminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 March 2023ZI-LIFE (FFI) together with Health Innotech and Pharmamark Nutrition organized seminar on balancing life with FOS and LCPUFA.
• BASF Colors & EffectscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 31 May 2019ZI-LIFE ISC appointed as exclusive distributor for cosmetic pigments in Thailand from June 1, 2019. BASF Colors & Effects is a world-leading manufacturer of cosmetic pigments with production facilities in Europe and USA.
• Floeter Verpackungs-Service GmbHcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2019ZI-TEC Packaging Solutions represents Floeter exclusively in Thailand. Floeter is a leading German manufacturer of air cushion systems and related plastic films. Products won WorldStar Award 2024 in two categories.
• BDS Maschinen GmbHcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2019ZI-TEC Tools is exclusive distributor of BDS in Thailand and Indonesia. German manufacturer of premium Magnetic Drilling Machines, Annular Cutters, and Plate Beveling Machines. Products won German Brand Award 2023.
• ZI-GEM Industrial Services, Inc.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 4 September 2018ZI-GEM appointed as exclusive distributor of ZI-CHEM brand of specialty water treatment products and technologies to the Philippines market. Based in Manila, part of Gemphil group with various manufacturing and distribution operations throughout Philippines (Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao).
• FlexcominorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 June 2017ZI-TEC Belting represents Flexco mechanical belt fastening systems, offering secure and efficient fastening solutions that reduce downtime and improve operational efficiency.
• INDOSOL Water SolutionsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 May 2016INDOSOL specializes in design, engineering, installation and servicing of customized water treatment equipment. Added to ZI-CHEM roster with global backing and support from Zuellig Industrial. Great track record in Indonesia market with key industrial players.
• Home ProcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 16 October 2015ZI-TEC formed official collaboration with Home Pro, Thailand's largest retailer of home and construction materials. ZI-TEC products featured at Home Pro Expo events including Heller, Pferd, geo-FENNEL and ZI-Techasia brands.
• Wacker NeusonminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 May 2015ZI-TEC Thailand cooperates with Wacker Neuson Thailand as authorized distributor for construction equipment including compaction, concrete and worksite technologies. Products offered through trade channel in addition to end-customer sales.
• Royal Diamond ToolscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 27 February 2015ZI-TEC Thailand appointed as exclusive distributor of Royal Diamond Tools. Italian manufacturer with 20+ years experience in specialized diamond tools for construction and industrial applications in stone, glass, ceramics and construction.
• Eibenstock Power ToolscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 20 February 2015ZI-TEC Thailand appointed as exclusive distributor of Eibenstock Power Tools in Thailand. German manufacturer of high quality power tools for specialized construction and industrial applications serving customers globally since 1919.
• EvonikcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2015Long-term partnership spanning more than three decades with Evonik for personal care ingredients. Joint technical seminars, Technical Open Day events, and product innovation collaboration. Evonik supplies skin care, beauty products, glycolipids, and biotechnology ingredients.
• Kyocera Industrial Tools CorporationcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2015ZI-TEC signed distribution agreement with Kyocera as distributor of Ryobi Power Tools in Thailand effective January 2020. Kyocera acquired Ryobi in 2018. Products available through modern trade and hardware stores nationwide with over 25 years experienced service team.
• geo-FENNEL GmbHcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 June 2014ZI-TECHASIA SOLUTIONS appointed as exclusive distributor for Thailand. German manufacturer of high quality laser measuring tools and surveying instruments exported to more than 60 countries. Over 100 years of operation with excellent reputation.
• Habasit Far EastcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2014ZI-TEC Belting partners with Habasit Far East for conveyor belt solutions. Products excel in durability, precision, and efficiency for various industries.
• AAKcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2010FFI/ZI-LIFE is the sole distributor of AAK (Aarhuskarlshamn) products in Thailand since 2010. AAK is world-leading in customized and sustainable vegetable oils and fats solutions, serving Southeast Asia from their regional hub in Kuala Lumpur.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• DKSH Holdings: Swiss-listed market leader in B2B distribution and market expansion services across Asia Pacific, with structured business units covering consumer goods, healthcare, and specialty chemicals/ingredients. Most directly comparable to Zuellig Industrial's three-BU distribution model, regional scale, and exclusive brand partnerships across ASEAN.
• Azelis Group: Global specialty distributor of food ingredients, personal care chemicals, and industrial chemicals with growing Asia Pacific presence. Comparable in business model to Zuellig Industrial's ZI-LIFE and ZI-CHEM business units, particularly in value-added specialty ingredients and formulations.
• Jebsen & Jessen Group: Privately-held diversified industrial group with multiple business units distributing technical equipment, industrial chemicals, and specialty products across Southeast Asia. Closely comparable to Zuellig Industrial's three-BU structure and exclusive distribution of premium European industrial brands.
• S.H. Kelkar and Company: India-headquartered flavors, fragrances, and cosmetic ingredients manufacturer-distributor serving Asian markets. Comparable to ZI-LIFE's personal care ingredients distribution model, with focus on specialty ingredients and formulations.

Broad incumbents

• Brenntag SE: Global market leader in chemical and ingredients distribution, with significant Asia Pacific operations including water treatment, personal care, and food ingredients. Closely comparable to ZI-CHEM's specialty chemicals distribution and ZI-LIFE's ingredients portfolio, but at vastly larger global scale.
• IMCD N.V. Global specialty chemicals and ingredients distributor with strong personal care, food, and industrial specialties portfolio. Highly comparable to ZI-LIFE's industrial & specialty chemicals and ZI-CHEM's specialty chemicals distribution model, though IMCD operates at significantly larger scale across more geographies.
• Univar Solutions: North American-headquartered specialty chemicals and ingredients distributor with growing Asia Pacific operations. Comparable to ZI-CHEM's water treatment and industrial chemicals distribution, though geographically weighted toward the Americas.
• Marubeni Corporation: Japanese general trading company (sogo shosha) with extensive Asia-Pacific industrial distribution operations across chemicals, tools, and consumer products. Comparable diversified industrial distribution model to Zuellig, though operating at vastly larger scale with broader product categories.

Regional players

• Berli Jucker Public Company (BJC): Thai-listed conglomerate with significant industrial and consumer distribution operations across Thailand and ASEAN. Comparable to Zuellig Industrial's regional Thai-headquartered distribution model, though BJC has broader consumer goods and packaging exposure.

Emerging players

• ICOF Group: Asia-focused industrial products and chemicals distributor with growing presence in specialty chemicals. Comparable emerging distribution peer for ZI-CHEM's specialty industrial chemicals portfolio in the region.

Market position

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks1 record

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/3943586

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Subsidiaries10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Zuellig Industrial