July 7/Lille Skensved, Denmark/Press release -– CP Kelco announces an investment of $8 million to expand its Lille Skensved, Denmark, pectin facility. The expansion seeks to meet the increasing market demand for GENU LMA pectin (amidated pectin) and is a continuation of the $4.5 million investment in same facility announced November 2009.

Pectin, a gum (hydrocolloid) derived from the peel of citrus fruits, is used as a gelling and stabilization agent in food, pharmaceuticals and personal care products. GENU LMA pectin is widely used in the food industry for the manufacture of products such as low-sugar and sugar-free jams and fruit spreads, fruit preparations for yogurt, thermo-reversible bakery glazes and ice cream variegates. GENU LMA pectin continues to show good market growth due to its functionality in fruit and yogurt products, where it enables production of jams and fruit spreads with a low-sugar and high-fruit content.

According to Don Rubright, president of CP Kelco, "This investment enables CP Kelco to continue meeting the growing demand for high-quality GENU LMA pectin."

CP Kelco expects to complete this project by June 2011.

From the July 19, 2010, Prepared Foods E-dition