Ingredient solutions company Ingredion has unveiled plans to build a new integrated modified starch facility in Shandong, China, as the firm looks to advance its growth strategy in the Asia-Pacific region and increase production capacity.
The new plant, which will be built adjacent to Ingredion’s existing Shandong facility, is expected to bring new benefits for local and regional customers in terms of service and supply.
The company also claims that the move will ‘further optimise’ its global supply chain network for speciality starches, and the location alongside local farmers who provide raw materials will have strategic benefit.
“We see strong demand for clean label ingredients and speciality starches coming from our established and emerging food customers,” said Valdirene Licht, Ingredion’s senior vice president and president, Asia-Pacific.
“Chinese consumers are seeking healthier, more diverse, premium and convenient food options. This investment enables us to further strengthen partnerships with our customers as a well-positioned local supplier.
“Ingredion’s local market insights, concept-to-launch expertise and technical and sales services will enable us to deliver consumer-preferred innovation on behalf of our customers.”
Jacques Guglielmi, Ingredion’s vice president and general manager, greater China, added: “This facility not only provides us with faster access to raw materials, it also allows us to effectively implement our sustainable agriculture program benefiting local farmers.
“We can produce high quality and diverse products that our customers require to meet the local market trends.”
Ingredion has also been investing significantly in plant-based protein in recent years. An initial $140 million investment to support progress in the field was increased to $185 million in 2019, when plans for a new manufacturing facility for pulse-based protein ingredients were also announced.
© FoodBev Media Ltd 2024
