Gapuma breaks into the world’s Top 100 chemical distributors
17 June 2026 Gapuma Group has been named among the world’s leading chemical distributors in the 2026 ICIS Top 100. Published by ICIS (Independent Commodity Intelligence Services), the Top 100 Chemical Distributors is the definitive global ranking of the sector, now in its 17th year. This year’s edition, compiled in association with Fecc, the European Association of Chemical Distributors, ranks the firms that keep the world’s chemical supply chains moving, broken down by region from Europe to the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific. Jack Bardakjian, Founder and CEO of Gapuma Group, said: “To enter this ranking for the first time would have been a milestone in itself, a tribute to everyone who has helped build this company. To do so at 36th in the world, 20th in Europe and 1st in the United Kingdom, on sales of $787.5m, is a moment of real pride. This recognition belongs to the people who earn that trust each day, and to the partners who place their confidence in us. It is a proud first, and it will not be our last.” A debut on this list is not a small thing. It places Gapuma alongside names that define the industry: Brenntag, Tricon Energy, Univar Solutions, IMCD, Nagase, Azelis, Omya and Helm, to name only a few. It is rare company, and we are proud to have earned our place in it. That place reflects how Gapuma has grown: across West Africa, Europe, the Middle East and beyond, built on dependable supply, deep market knowledge and a genuinely global reach. ICIS describes this year’s cohort as the resilient backbone of the chemical industry, the partners producers and customers turn to first. Our thanks to ICIS, and to the customers, suppliers and colleagues who brought us here. The best is still ahead.
UK Trade Agreements Signal Renewed Optimism for Commodities and Cross-Border Investment
20th May 2025 Recent developments in UK trade policy are creating a more stable and favourable environment for international business, with important implications for commodities trading, supply chain management, and long-term investment planning. The UK government has signed landmark trade agreements with the European Union, United States, and India, and has announced that a pact with Gulf nations, including Saudi Arabia and Qatar, is next on the agenda. These moves are helping to re-establish the UK as a strategic global hub for commerce—particularly in sectors where clarity of regulation and efficiency of logistics are paramount. Chancellor Rachel Reeves has confirmed that Britain’s economic outlook has improved as a result of these recent agreements, with UK GDP growth upgraded and investor sentiment strengthening. Most notably, the UK’s new accord with the EU—the most comprehensive since Brexit—includes updated cooperation on trade, fishing, defence and energy, and offers reduced checks on UK food exports. This has the potential to ease frictions in supply chains and streamline cross-border operations. For Gapuma Group, which operates across energy, chemicals, logistics, and infrastructure in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, this development affirms a positive shift. The return of a rules-based, multilateral trading framework supports our mission to deliver secure, agile, and responsible distribution of critical materials worldwide. The prospect of deeper trade relations with the Gulf region also aligns with our strategy in energy and infrastructure sectors, where we support both private and government-backed initiatives across high-growth markets. With enhanced access and reciprocal standards, we anticipate accelerated opportunities for structured trade, financial partnerships, and end-to-end logistics. “We welcome the renewed momentum in UK trade negotiations,” said a Gapuma Group spokesperson. “Increased certainty benefits the entire value chain—from origin to end user—and strengthens the case for international investment in physical commodities and the infrastructure that supports them.” As the UK continues to strengthen its global trading relationships, Gapuma remains committed to advancing sustainable, resilient, and efficient trade across every region we serve.
Gapuma’s Russell Brill Embarks on High-Speed Procurement Tour of China
26th April 2o25 From Chinaplas to Qingdao: Strengthening Global Partnerships Gapuma’s Procurement Director, Russell Brill, has just returned from a whistle-stop 10-day tour of China, visiting key trade fairs and suppliers across the country. His first stop was Chinaplas 2025, held this year in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province. With over 4,000 exhibitors from 40 countries and more than 380,000 visitors, Chinaplas is one of the world’s largest exhibitions for the polymer industry. The event provided an excellent opportunity to meet with manufacturers, suppliers, and customers from across the global plastics sector. Strengthening Ties in Qingdao and Beyond After three busy days at Chinaplas, Russell travelled north to Qingdao in Shandong Province, located on China’s Yellow Sea coast. Qingdao, famous for its Tsingtao beer and as the training ground of Britain’s greatest Olympic sailor, is also home to Gapuma’s China office. Shandong is a strategic hub for Gapuma, hosting many of the company’s established suppliers and a wide range of key industries. During his stay, Russell conducted pre-planned visits to prospective new manufacturing partners, part of Gapuma’s rigorous due diligence process, and met with existing suppliers both in Qingdao and the nearby city of Weifang. While in Qingdao, Russell – himself a very accomplished athlete – met the sibling of one of the recent Beijing Robot Marathon finishers — a memorable moment in a packed schedule!