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Cargill has announced that it has expanded its global pectin footprint with a new $150 million processing plant in Bebedouro, Brazil.
The new state-of-the-art facility will prioritise "sustainable production with advanced CO2 emission reductions and biomass reuse," a company statement said. It will also enable Cargill to meet increasing demand for clean label texturising ingredients.
Located in Brazil's citrus growing region, the new site provides a large supply of fresh fruit peels – the raw material used in pectin production. It will produce the full suite of Cargill's pectin offerings, enabling the global food corporation to expand its presence in South America and Europe.
"Demand for pectin is at an all-time high, fueled by global trends around sugar reduction and label-friendly formulation, as well as the popularity of fruit-flavoured dairy drinks," said Laerte Moraes, managing director for Cargill's starches, sweeteners and texturisers business in South America. "Adding a fourth pectin production facility to our supply network further secures our position as a reliable supplier of this sought-after ingredient."
The HM pectin Cargill produces will be used to make products such as jams, fruit-flavoured beverages, acidic dairy drinks, yogurts, fruit preparations and confectionery, as well as personal care products. HM pectin fulfils a number of roles, including: a thickening and gelling agent, stabilising proteins in acidic environments and supporting the production of low sugar beverages.
The facility will also help to meet Cargill's pledge to reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions across its operations, using advanced technology and sustainably certified raw materials. The plant is powered by thermal energy generated from biomass and biogas.
"This new plant is the latest example of how Cargill is working to lower our environmental impact across operations," Moraes added. "Within the last five years, we've reduced the energy consumption of our European plants by 20%. Our Bebedouro plant will continue that commitment, using advanced technology to minimise our carbon footprint."
Cargill says that initial shipments are expected to begin by the end of 2021.
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