Nature-based ingredient supplier CP Kelco plans to increase pectin production capacity by approximately 15 percent at its Lille Skensved, Denmark, facility in response to continued global demand for the product. This significant investment will enhance market supply in 2020 of low methoxyl amidated (LMA) pectin, which is suited to products such as ambient drinking yogurt and fruit preparations.

This closely follows several other expansions and investments from the company throughout this year which demonstrate CP Kelco’s strategy to provide a sustainable supply of significant nature-based ingredients.

“Two converging megatrends are driving the demand for pectin: consumers’ increased desire for dairy and plant-based protein products, and a continued drive towards better-for-you, clean label foods and beverages,” says Susanne Sörgel, Senior Director, Pectin Platform Strategy at CP Kelco.

“As a result, the global pectin market is experiencing significant growth and we predict this will continue. This capacity investment at our Denmark plant will strengthen our ability to meet the evolving needs and growth aspirations of our customers worldwide.”

Derived from citrus peels, CP Kelco’s GENU Pectin is a multifunctional, label-friendly ingredient that serves as a stabilizer and texturizing agent in jams and jellies, yogurts, acidified protein beverages, dairy desserts and more.

The GENU Pectin portfolio includes products that meet non-GMO, vegan and organic compliance requirements. CP Kelco operates production facilities in Limeira, Brazil, Lille Skensved, Denmark and Groβenbrode, Germany.

In March 2019, CP Kelco also announced an investment to expand pectin production capacity at its Limeira, Brazil, facility by approximately 10 percent.

In June, the company invested in the expansion of its gellan gum production capacity to support growth in the Asia-Pacific region. The expansion project will build new production capabilities at the CP Kelco biogums facility in Wulian, China.

“We continue to see growth for gellan gum across Asia-Pacific in both dairy products and alternative protein beverages, such as drinking yogurts. While dairy products have grown in popularity in recent years, we anticipate increasing demand for dairy alternative drinks in China and other key markets in Asia over time,” Jérôme Béra, Senior Vice President, Global Marketing at CP Kelco, told FoodIngredientsFirst at the time.

And in May, CP Kelco announced the introduction of a new product line, NUTRAVA Citrus Fiber. With the continued growth in consumer demand for clean label products, NUTRAVA Citrus Fiber addresses the need for nature-based, recognizable ingredients in a variety of food applications. Derived from intact citrus peels, this next-generation citrus fiber is marketed as “not only functional but also close to nature.”