MECHELEN, BELGIUM — Cargill will break ground on a new pectin plant in Bebedouro, Brazil, in June and expects to complete construction by the end of 2021. The plant will produce HM (high-methoxyl) pectin, a texturizing agent derived from citrus fruit that may be used in baked foods, fruit preparations, dairy items and confectionery items.

The new plant represents an investment of about $150 million, said Laerte Moraes, Cargill’s managing director of starches, sweeteners and texturizers in South America.

“The investment in Brazil in combination with our European pectin facilities illustrates our commitment to customers around the globe to provide innovative and label-friendly solutions,” said Judd Hoffman, Cargill’s texturizers segment leader of starches, sweeteners and texturizers. “Adding a new plant in Brazil is part of our comprehensive pectin strategy.  By growing our pectin footprint and investing in our plants in Europe (France, Germany and Italy), we aim to meet the growing demand for label-friendly ingredients. In this context we are also announcing the modernization of our pectin plant in Redon (France).”