Cargill will derive the pectin from the site's citrus trees.
Cargill has signed an agreement to acquire the pectin operations of FMC – including a production site in Italy – as it strengthens its texturising portfolio to meet the growing demand for label-friendly ingredients.
Expected to close in the next few months, the deal includes the sale of FMC’s production site located among the citrus orchards of Milazzo, in Sicily. The highly specialised pectin production facility produces high quality high methoxyl pectin, running primarily on fresh peel, and comprises fresh peel washing and drying equipment; a pectin production line; dry peel storage silos and a quality control laboratory.
The move will strengthen Cargill’s texturising portfolio as Colleen May, president of the company’s texturising solutions business, explained: “We took this step so we can provide food companies around the world with a strong supply of high quality pectin available: a ‘label-friendly’ food ingredient for which we see a clear growing demand. With a direct access to fresh citrus peel, the facility is ideally located. It will be a perfect addition to our existing network of facilities in Europe and complement our supply chain.”
Cargill texturising solutions EMEA regional director Frank Monmont added: “This acquisition underlines our commitment to drive distinctive value for our stakeholders. We intend to further develop the relationship with the local lemon processing companies, ultimately to the benefit of our customers, who seek reliable partners to meet their growing pectin demand.”
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