Tate & Lyle invests in Slovakian site to increase fibre capacity
Tate & Lyle has announced a major investment programme in its corn wet mill in Boleráz, Slovakia, to establish new capacity for its non-GMO Promitor Soluble Fibres.
The production of fibres during the first phase of the programme will start in mid-2024, representing a €25 million investment.
The ingredients makers said its programme is expected to significantly increase Tate & Lyle’s fibre capacity to serve both its European and global customer base.
Developed with Tate & Lyle’s proprietary fibre production know-how and using the latest technology to drive operational efficiencies, the state-of-the art facility in Boleráz, will give Tate & Lyle the ability to expand existing Promitor product lines, and add new ones, over time.
This major investment programme will help Tate & Lyle to meet growing consumer demand for fibre as a tool for supporting gut health and immunity.
Tate & Lyle’s proprietary research shows that over half (54%) (Tate & Lyle Proprietary Global Ingredient Perception Research 2022-23) of global consumers plan to consume more fibre.
Customer demand for sugar reduction solutions, where fibre can play an important role, also remains high, with sugar and calorie reduction claims being included frequently in new fibre fortified product launches. Mintel GNPD Data 2017-22 shows 14% of high or added fibre launches carried a ‘no added sugar’ claim (17% CAGR over the timeframe), followed by 10% carrying a ‘low/reduced sugar’ claim (17% CAGR), and 7% carrying a ‘low/no/reduced’ calorie claim (3% CAGR).
Abigail Storms, Tate & Lyle’s SVP fibre and sweetener platform, said Tate & Lyle is the only dietary fibre producer with production in three continents. Tate & Lyle’s other fibre production facilities are in the US, the Netherlands and China.
“With the addition of this state-of-the-art production facility to our fibre network, we will offer customers even greater security of supply, with efficiency benefits intended to support accessible nutrition so that more consumers can access the many benefits of fibre.”
Dr. Kavita Karnik, Tate & Lyle’s global head of nutrition, regulatory and scientific Affairs, noted that reaching the daily fibre recommendation is challenging, and for most people it is difficult to do so without exceeding their recommended calorie intake.
“This is where reformulation of the everyday products like breakfast cereals, yoghurt, and bakery products, can be really effective in improving nutritional intake,” she explained. “Our Promitor Soluble Fibres have been shown to support gut health, promote calcium absorption and helping to maintain a healthy blood glucose response. Emerging science shows it may provide even wider benefits, including brain and metabolic health.”
