Cargill has announced the construction of a pectin plant in Bebedouro, Brazil, slated to commence June 2019.
The plant will produce HM pectin, a texturing agent derived from citrus fruits, assisting with the growing global demand for label-friendly pectins for fruit preparations, dairy, confectionery and bakery food applications. Bebedouro is centrally located within the country’s citrus region.
A completion date is set for the end of 2021.
“The investment in Brazil in combination with our European pectin facilities illustrates our commitment to customers around the globe to provide innovative and label-friendly solutions,” said Judd Hoffman, Cargill’s texturizers segment leader of starches, sweeteners and texturizers. “Adding a new plant in Brazil is part of our comprehensive pectin strategy. By growing our pectin footprint and investing in our plants in Europe (France, Germany and Italy), we aim to meet the growing demand for label-friendly ingredients. In this context we are also announcing the modernization of our pectin plant in Redon (France).”
“With a cost-competitive structure based on innovative production processes, the new plant only further strengthens Cargill’s commitment to Brazil's growth,” added Laerte Moraes, managing director of starches, sweeteners and texturizers in South America. “The new plant represents an investment of approximately $150 million. This will not only open global market possibilities for our pectin business but also boost the innovation of our portfolio and offers the option to expand our high-end pectin offering for the European markets.”