READING, PA. — Brenntag North America, Inc. has become the exclusive distributor of Aglupectin brand pectin in the United States and Canada through a collaboration with Silvateam, San Michele, Italy, the producer of Aglupectin.

Pectin, a fruit extract, is used for its gel formation, thickening and stabilizing properties in a variety of applications, including baked foods, fruit juices, jams, marmalades, dairy and confectionery items, according to Reading-based Brenntag North America, part of Brenntag Group.

“We are excited about our new relationship with Silvateam and the continued expansion of our value-added, functional ingredient options,” said Larry Davis, marketing director for Brenntag North America. “The combination of our food and nutrition team, new food application kitchen, and Silvateam’s technical expertise positions us well to provide quick solutions to our customer’s formulation questions when using pectins.”

Silvateam, a family-owned company, has worked with plant extracts since 1854.