Work is progressing on CP Kelco’s second NUTRAVA citrus fibre production line in Matão, Brazil. The new build is underway and expected to increase the company’s total production capacity to nearly 5,000 metric tons, with options to further expand capacity as needed in the future.
With global demand and market potential on the rise, NUTRAVA citrus fibre is growing in its appeal. A renewed focus on healthier eating habits is driving the search for functional, nature-based ingredients. NUTRAVA citrus fibre was developed to help formulators meet consumer demand for foods and beverages with less sugar and less fat, as well as simpler, easily recognisable ingredients.
NUTRAVA citrus fibre is upcycled from citrus peels, a by-product of the juice industry that populates the region where CP Kelco’s plant is located. With a local source of raw materials at the ready, the company can help formulators develop a wide range of clean, label-friendly products; from dairy and dairy alternatives to beverages, condiments, sauces, bakery, fruit-based applications, meats and plant-based meat alternatives.
“With the sheer scale of this project and ample capacity we are adding, CP Kelco is positioned to be the world leader in citrus fibre production,” said Didier Viala, president of CP Kelco.
CP Kelco’s Matão facility is known for its sustainability objectives. According to William Letsinger, senior director of strategy, the new production line is being developed with efficient technologies to meet water, energy and emissions reduction goals, while also creating employment opportunities to help the local community.
The production of citrus fibre includes a proprietary and patented peel wash process, which reduces the need for fresh water compared to traditional peel washing, while also retaining a high level of pectin and soluble fibre. The spent citrus peel, meanwhile, is processed into animal feed. In 2020, CP Kelco supported roughly 30,000 local farm animals with their BRASPOLPA feed. The remaining liquid by-product is distilled into FERPEC organic fertiliser for nearby citrus orchards.
As a fibre ingredient, NUTRAVA can be listed as citrus fibre on the label and does not require an E number in Europe. It supports dietary fibre intake and offers water-binding and texturising capabilities across many food and beverage applications.
In certain applications, NUTRAVA citrus fibre can help reduce the use of or act as an alternative to starch, sugar, oil, locust bean gum, methylcellulose, egg, and other ingredients that may be hard to source due to shortages and supply chain issues.
The project is scheduled for completion in Q3 of 2023.
