Necessity Inspiring Innovation in Hydrocolloids – IMR International

22 Feb 2010 --- Gum arabic prices are clearly split between senegal and seyal grades. At times senegal grades cost more than twice the price of seyal grades. Whilst at other times seyal prices have reached those of senegal gum Arabic.

22 Feb 2010 --- The global market for food hydrocolloids is valued at around US$4.2-4.5 billion. Many hydrocolloids are growing at a healthy 4-6% in volume. Price fluctuations mean that growth rates in value can vary from zero or even negative to above 10-20% if not more. The price and availability of some hydrocolloids remain volatile each for different reasons. Locust bean gum prices depend on the harvest and harboring of seed in Spain and Morocco. Alginate prices are in a state of flux due to issues of capacity and/or raw material availability. Gum arabic prices are clearly split between senegal and seyal grades. At times senegal grades cost more than twice the price of seyal grades. Whilst at other times seyal prices have reached those of senegal gum Arabic. Other hydrocolloids have suffered severe price differentials simply based on their country of origin such as xanthan gum from China.

Aspects of nutrition and health are being addressed by hydrocolloids in novel ways. Soluble fiber, encapsulation, coating, long term stability, all offer opportunities for innovation, not to mention the growing demand for organic, natural and/or GM free designation. Along with the concept of ‘OPEN’ innovation, go collaborative relationships between suppliers and users of hydrocolloids. The search for innovation has even brought competitors to review potential synergistic opportunities. Old marketing and product development methods are being re-written.

In general, hydrocolloids offer good margins in a large segment of specialty sales. There are continued efforts by some buyers to commoditize and standardize the purchase of hydrocolloids. Commoditization has occurred in some cases but the specialty nature of hydrocolloids remains strong. Novel properties are constantly being discovered for hydrocolloids, both functional and nutraceutical. Consumers have developed new concerns and requirements such as organic and GMO free. These and other issues will assure the long term viability of hydrocolloids as specialty, value added ingredients.

With these trends as the background to a continually innovating sector, IMR International has launched the FOURTEENTH business development forum; Food Hydrocolloids 2010. The search for innovation has become of paramount importance, inspiring the conference theme “Necessity is the Mother of Innovation”. The IMR Hydrocolloid Conference in Berlin, April 25-27, 2010 will provide valuable information about what the key market players are doing to remain competitive and maintain profitability.

Executives from key end-users of hydrocolloids such as Kraft, Nestle and Unilever are amongst the carefully selected range of speakers. The conference provides a neutral forum for suppliers and users of hydrocolloids to meet. They exchange views on the strengths, weaknesses and future requirements of this industry. About 100-120 high level hydrocolloid executives from all parts of the globe attend the conference.

Complete conference details are available at: www.hydrocolloid.com

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