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Cargill makes $35m move into soluble fibres

Cargill is investing $35 million (€32 million) in Europe to add soluble fibres to its current portfolio of starches, sweeteners and texturizers.

Cargill’s new soluble fibres will, it says, enable sugar reduction up to 30% as well as calorie reduction and fibre enrichment in confectionery, bakery goods, fillings, cereals, ice cream and dairy, whilst maintaining the desired appearance, taste and texture.

Cargill’s new soluble fibres will, it says, enable sugar reduction up to 30% as well as calorie reduction and fibre enrichment in confectionery, bakery goods, fillings, cereals, ice cream and dairy, whilst maintaining the desired appearance, taste and texture. The investment marks its first move into soluble fibres in Europe.

“Calorie and sugar reduction remains a key priority for many manufacturers amid growing interest from health-conscious consumers,” said Jan-Peter Scheurwater, Cargill global strategy and business development director, sweetness. ‘’As a holistic provider of sweetness solutions, Cargill is addressing this need by developing fiber ingredients which enable improvement of the nutritional profile, including sugar and calorie reduction, in consumer products.”

In terms of market activity, Innova notes an average increase in European product launches with fiber claims of 23% and a 16% increase in products with sugar-reduced claims over the past five years. Especially low sugar claims showing the strongest growth.

“This is a crucial investment to complement the broad portfolio of starches, including label-friendly functional and native starches, texturizers and sweeteners, ranging from full- to no-calorie Cargill makes available to our manufacturing customers. Our expanded offerings support the wide range of product formulations our customers need, while helping them meet changing consumer preferences,” said Alain Dufait, managing director Cargill Starches, Sweeteners and Texturizers Europe.

The Cargill soluble fibre products are expected to be launched in 2021 - expanding quickly into other categories and adding more market innovations.