COPENHAGEN, DENMARK — Danisco will expand production of its functional fiber Litesse polydextrose at an existing facility in Terre Haute, Ind. The multimillion-dollar expansion initially will offer a circa 30% increase in capacity and will offer scope for further increases in the future, the Copenhagen-based company said March 3. The new capacity will be operational within the next 12 months.

Globally the polydextrose market has had annual growth rates of up to 10% over a five-year period that ended with 2010, according to Euromonitor. Litesse has experienced growth consistent with those levels. The investment in Litesse gives Danisco the opportunity to increase its presence in the functional fiber market, valued at more than $1 billion.


“Consumers are increasingly conscious of the role that diet plays in their health and well-being and have become acutely aware that they are not consuming adequate levels of fiber,” said Michael Bond, global business director for Danisco’s functional fibers portfolio. “This means consumers are now actively searching out fiber alongside other nutritional benefits, when taking responsibility for their own health, driving growth in the functional fiber market.”

Litesse polydextrose, available in liquid and powder form, offers potential for reducing calories and adding fiber in finished products without impacting consumer appeal in terms of taste and texture.