Cargill opens new pectin production facility in Brazil

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Cargill (Minneapolis, MN) opened a pectin production facility in Bebedouro, Brazil—the country’s citrus-growing region—thanks to a $150 million investment. The facility will produce a full range of HM pectins, made from fresh fruit peels, significantly increasing the company's pectin supply and expanding its production in South America and Europe. The HM pectin produced is a versatile texturizer, gelling agent, and stabilizer used to make jams, fruit-flavored beverages, acidic dairy drinks, yogurts, fruit preparations, confectionery, and personal care products. 

"Demand for pectin is at an all-time high, fueled by global trends around sugar reduction and label-friendly formulation, as well as the popularity of fruit-flavored dairy drinks," said Laerte Moraes, managing director for Cargill's starches, sweeteners and texturizers business in South America, in a press release. "Adding a fourth pectin production facility to our supply network further secures our position as a reliable supplier of this sought-after ingredient."

The new plant's proximity to its citrus suppliers and their Rainforest Alliance certified farms helps minimize CO2 emissions from raw material transport, promotes regenerative agriculture practices, and extends to its state-of-the-art design. The new plant is also powered by thermal energy generated from biomass and biogass, using sustainability practices already proven at other company facilities.

"This new plant is the latest example of how Cargill is working to lower our environmental impact across operations," said Moraes. "Within the last five years, we've reduced the energy consumption of our European plants by 20%. Our Bebedouro plant will continue that commitment, using advanced technology to minimize our carbon footprint."