Cargill is investing USD35m (EUR32m) in Europe to add soluble fibers to its current broad portfolio of starches, sweeteners and texturizers.
Cargill’s new soluble fibers will enable sugar reduction up to 30% as well as calorie reduction and fiber enrichment in ice cream, as well as confectionery, bakery goods, fillings, cereals, and dairy, whilst maintaining the desired appearance, taste and texture, the company says. The investment is part of Cargill’s continued efforts to offer on-trend solutions and marks its first move into soluble fibers in Europe.
“Calorie and sugar reduction remains a key priority for many manufacturers amid growing interest from health-conscious consumers. 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,” says Jan-Peter Scheurwater, Cargill global strategy and business development director, sweetness.
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.
The new product line will be based on patented, advanced proprietary technology in order to offer great taste and mouthfeel, combined with enhanced product quality. The Cargill soluble fiber products are expected to be launched in 2021 – expanding quickly into other categories and adding more market innovations.