Booming citrus fibre market gains US$50m investment from CP Kelco to expand processing capacity
BRAZIL – Global ingredient solutions provider, CP Kelco has announced it will invest over US$50 million to expand production capacity for its Nutrava Citrus Fiber at its Brazilian facility, following strong customer demand and market potential.
The project will add a second NUTRAVA Citrus Fiber production line to the company’s facility in Matão, increasing total capacity to approximately 5,000 metric tons.
This is the second major move in the pectin space this month as Cargill inaugurated a US$150 million pectin production facility in Bebedouro – the heart of Brazil’s citrus-growing region.
Its proximity to citrus fields ensures an abundant supply of fresh fruit peels, the raw material required for premium pectin production.
CP Kelco’s investment will establish it as a leading citrus fiber supplier to food, beverage and consumer product manufacturers worldwide.
Launched in December 2019, NUTRAVA Citrus Fiber is a unique, next-generation ingredient made from sustainably sourced citrus peels, a byproduct of the juicing industry.
Developed in response to continuing consumer demand for food and beverage products with less ingredients, less sugar and less fat, NUTRAVA Citrus Fiber can help manufacturers of these products meet clean label needs while achieving critical functionality that ensures their desired taste and texture.
Key applications include condiments, dressings, soups, fruit-flavored beverages, bakery goods, and dairy and alternative protein products.
“We are excited about reaching this important milestone in our journey with NUTRAVA™ Citrus Fiber, which originated as a proof-of-concept only four years ago,” said Didier Viala, President of CP Kelco.
“As a result of strong collaboration amongst our global team members and development partners since that time, our citrus fiber has evolved into a robust product line for use across a range of food and beverage applications, with a growing customer pipeline globally.
“We look forward to continuing to explore the possibilities for NUTRAVA Citrus Fiber in additional application segments,” Viala added.
The new production line, according to CP Kelco is expected to be complete and operational in 2023, with options to incrementally expand capacity in the future based on customer needs.
In an interview with FoodIngredientsFirst, Viala explains that the key drivers behind the increased demand for dietary fibers and how all the consumer trends are converging, is perhaps due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“There is an increased focus on health and wellness as well as growing concern for the planet,” he stresses. “Consumers are very interested in simpler, more recognizable labels and better-for-you/better-for-the-planet food and beverage options.
“They are open to trying new products, including plant-based foods and beverages, but they do not want to compromise on taste, texture and experience.
“So, developing products with less ingredients, less sugar and less fat brings formulation challenges of water-binding, emulsion stability, viscosity and mouthfeel. In addition to supporting dietary fiber intake, NUTRAVA Citrus Fiber can help solve these challenges.”
Earlier this year, CP Kelco opened a new innovation centre in Atlanta, US, aiming to expand its global network of innovation and technical support facilities.
