Danisco pectin targets soy beverages and drinking yoghurts
gains from its Grinsted pectin range that targets food and beverage
makers looking to spear the growing sports nutrition and functional
food markets, reports Lindsey Partos.
Aimed at low pH protein beverages, Grinsted Pectin AMD 382 and AMD 383, both premium priced products, have been designed to provide texture profile and protein protection to short shelf life drinking yogurts, long life drinking yoghurts, milk/juice drinks and soy beverages.
"The product differs from other products in our line and in the marketplace because in addition to stability - typical of pectin products on the market - this brand offers creamy mouthfeel," Ellen Trost, worldwide product manager for pectin at Danisco said.
The products target the burgeoning sports nutrition market, which in Asia is driven by the Japanese market, as well as the buoyant functional foods sector. In 2003, sales of functional foods and drinks were estimated to be over six times the value of those in 1998.
"Our clients are looking to differentiate from competitors, and texture is a key way to do so," commented Trost.
In the competitive food industry, companies are increasing using innovation investment to extend current lines, such as Danisco's Grinsted extenstion, for immediate gains. The products are can be more successful in terms of sales than new products and offer less risk than the launch of a totally new concept.
Pectin, extracted and blended from citrus peel (lemon, lime, orange and grapefruit), is the gelling agent that makes jams and preserves set, but also enhances the texture and appearance of a range of foods, as well as contributing to flavour release.
The Grinsted pectin products will be produced at Danisco plants in Mexico and Czech Republic, supplied by citrus raw materials sourced from South America and Mexico.
Global prices for the raw material will be impacted by four hurricanes last month that hit the major US citrus growing area of Florida. The Florida department of agriculture estimates that the hurricanes have caused €2.4 billion in damages to agriculture infrastructure and crops. Citrus officials estimate the hurricanes eliminated about half of the state's grapefruit crop and 20 per cent of its orange crop.
Consolidation in the hydrocolloid industry seems imminent with news last month that the number three pectin supplier Citrico International is in liquidation but Citrico GmbH, the firm's German business situated in Malchin will not file for insolvency.
Possible buyers, likely to be a strategic purchase from a firm already in the business, include German firm Degussa, Herbsteith (although they have room for expansion), the Braes group - that owns Obipektin, and acquisitive US agri-firm Cargill. Competition concerns and ample capacity at Danisco mean the leading pectin player may likely opt of bidding for Citrico.
