WARCOING, BELGIUM — Cosucra has invested more heavily in pea protein by increasing manufacturing capacity in Belgium and naming a general manager for the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The company invested €35 million ($41 million) in a facility in Warcoing to double pea protein capacity. The facility makes pea protein under the Pisane brand, which has been shown to work in applications such as drinks, powder mixes, gluten-free items and dairy products. The facility also makes pea fiber under the Swelite brand and pea starch under the Nastar brand.
Frank G. Truong earlier this year took over a new position, general manager of the United States, Canada and Mexico, as Cosucra seeks to increase its presence in North America. Mr. Truong is based in Chicago. He previously worked for Fonterra, Tate & Lyle, P.L.C. and AAK.
Cosucra, in business since 1852, originally was active in sugar. Over the past 20 years the company has transformed to become a producer of ingredients derived from chicory root and pea. Fibruline is the company’s soluble fiber brand made from chicory root.