Dive Brief:
- Cargill will acquire the pectin operations of FMC Corporation, including a production site in Milazzo, Sicily, Italy, subject to approval.
- Pectin is a natural component of plants and is found particularly in apples and citrus fruits. As a food ingredient, pectin is used as a gelling agent, thickening agent and stabilizer. Applications include yogurt, confectionery, fruit-based beverages, and acid milk drinks.
- The Milazzo plant is a highly specialized pectin production facility that produces high-quality HM (high methoxyl) pectin, mostly using fresh citrus peel. Cargill stated its intent to develop relationships with local lemon processing companies.
Dive Insight:
Pectin is a natural ingredient that is benefiting from the move away from artificial ingredients and toward clean labels. Grand View Research predicts strong growth in the pectin market from 2015‑2020, based on "growing preferences towards convenience and functional foods by major health conscious consumers."
Other important companies in the pectin market include CP Kelko, Devson Impex Pvt. Ltd., Danisco A/S, Danone S.A., Kellogg's, Nestlé S.A., Unilever and Yantai Andre Pectin Co., Ltd., according to Grand View.