Palsgaard targets Brazilian expansion with Miguel Hidalgo as regional CEO

A key chapter in Palsgaard’s ingredients’ strategy in Brazil has been revealed in naming Miguel Hidalgo as its regional CEO, as it drives further investment and development within the country, reports Neill Barston.

The Danish-headquartered business, which last month played a notable role at our World Confectionery Conference (see our video review below), has continued to engage strongly across confectionery, bakery and snacking markets with its application.

For his part, Hidalgo, who takes up his role this week, has 30 years’ experience at Palsgaard. He has served as chairman of its Brazilian operation since 2018, having previously been CEO of Palsgaard Mexico and Regional Director of the Americas.

He takes on the position as Palsgaard aims to become the leading supplier of emulsifiers and speciality ingredients for the food industry in Brazil.

With a primary focus on emulsifier and stabiliser solutions for cakes, chocolates, and lipids, the business is preparing for a new phase of growth under Hidalgo’s leadership.

Hidalgo welcomed the opportunity to take up the new post. He commented: “I am delighted to take on my new role as we prepare for further growth. We want to ensure that Palsgaard Brazil is recognised for the exceptional quality and functionality of our emulsifiers and speciality ingredients, and for providing the best technical, application, development and logistics services.”

As the company noted, it opened its first sales office in Brazil in 2008 and expanded its operations when it acquired a majority stake in bakery ingredients company Candon in 2016. It completed a full takeover in 2022.

Furthermore, Palsgaard Brazil has production facilities at the site in Paraná state, as well as selling ingredients produced by its international affiliates. Customers also have access to application and development centres plus local and international technical professionals, who are on hand to offer tailored formulation support.

Hidalgo added: “Our experts have extensive knowledge of different industrial processes and how to get the best from emulsifiers and stabilisers. Together, we can help customers create and reformulate products that are perfectly tailored to their needs – ensuring quality solutions that will satisfy their target consumers.”