ACT as a supplier of quality raw materials
A journey through time in our company history
Discover the key milestones that have shaped ACT’s journey over the years. From strategic expansions and acquisitions to innovations and anniversaries, each step reflects our growth, commitment, and vision for the future.
2025
Corporate Design Relaunch
On the occasion of its 40th anniversary, ACT celebrates with a refreshed corporate design and an updated logo, reflecting the company’s evolution and modern identity.
2024
Founding of ACT Nuts & Natural Foods GmbH
The family business continues to grow through its merger with M. H. Ghaffari GmbH & Co. KG, the company owned by our founder's brother. This long-established company has been in existence for over 90 years and is now run by the third generation. Its integration into the ACT Group led to the creation of ACT Nuts and Natural Foods, which has been selling nuts and other natural products ever since.
2024
Acquisition of Glorychem GmbH & Co. KG
Through the acquisition of (henceforth) Glorychem GmbH, a chemical distributor specializing in industrial chemicals and based on the Baltic coast, ACT expanded its portfolio and established a new product focus in the chemical segment.
2024
Founding of ACT Spain
The opening of the office in Spain expanded the company's international presence and strengthened customer proximity on the Iberian Peninsula.
2022
Matin Ghaffari joins the company
Matin Ghaffari, the founder’s son, joined the company, securing its long-term future and ensuring the continuation of ACT as a family-run business. His involvement marks the next generation of leadership, combining tradition with a fresh perspective for growth and innovation.
2019
Founding of ACT Italy
In Italy, ACT opened an office to enhance its presence in Southern Europe and improve cooperation with local partners.
2019
Opening of MDC
Our own warehouse Maschen Distribution Centre (MDC) in Stelle near Hamburg enables us to optimize logistics processes and storage capacity, resulting in faster and more efficient delivery to customers.
2011
Acquisition of R. Nöthen & Co. Gewürze GmbH
ACT acquired R. Nöthen & Co. Gewürze GmbH to bring the exciting world of saffron into its portfolio. The company, based in the Cologne area, continues to operate largely independently while opening up new opportunities for ACT.
2010
Founding of ACT India
The opening of the India office strengthened ACT’s presence in Asia and focused primarily on Purchasing, as many of our manufacturers are based in the region. This office plays a key role in building strong relationships with local suppliers and ensuring a reliable supply chain.
2009
Expansion of Headquarters in Hamburg
The expansion of the Hamburg headquarters and the move to a new office space created modern working conditions, increased capacity, and improved internal processes.
2008
Group sales exceed the 100 million EUR mark
ACT exceeded the 100 million EUR group sales milestone for the first time, highlighting successful business development and growing demand for its services.
2008
Founding of ACT Ireland
The office in Ireland provided access to a dynamic market and reinforced ACT’s presence in Europe.
2007
Founding of ACT Russia and ACT Scandinavia
The establishment of offices in Russia and Scandinavia opened new markets, strengthened regional presence, and improved local customer support.
2006
Founding of ACT Czech Republic
The opening of the Czech Republic office strengthened ACT’s presence in Central Europe and fostered cooperation with local partners. Today, the office is responsible for the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Macedonia, and partly Hungary.
2006
Founding of ACT China
The opening of ACT’s first office in Asia marked a major milestone, expanding the company’s presence in the region and strengthening collaboration with regional partners. As a lot of our products originate from China, the office plays a crucial role in building strong relationships with local manufacturers and is fully dedicated to Purchasing.
2005
Founding of ACT Poland
The establishment of the Polish office strengthened ACT's presence in Central and Eastern Europe and laid the foundation for closer customer service and local partnerships. The branch is responsible for activities in Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Bulgaria, Hungary and Romania.
2004
Founding of SanaSweet GmbH
With the founding of our subsidiary SanaSweet GmbH in Switzerland, ACT expanded its expertise in sweeteners. The company is dedicated to innovative solutions in this field, with a special focus on Stevia.
1998
Founding of ACT Switzerland
The opening of the Switzerland office further expanded ACT’s European presence and strengthened our ability to support customers and partners in the region.
1998
Founding of ACT North America
The next major step took ACT across the Atlantic: the establishment of the United States office in Boston expanded our international presence and marked our entry into the North American market.
1995
Founding of ACT UK
The opening of the UK office marked ACT’s first international location and strengthened collaboration with customers and partners in the British market. To this day, it remains one of our most important markets.
1985
Founding of Atlantic Chemicals Trading GmbH
ACT was founded by Dr. Ramin Ghaffari, laying the foundation for the company's ongoing development.
Keep track of things with the ACT market report.
