Bridging the fiber gap: Beneo invests US$56m in chicory inulin expansion

04 Mar 2020 --- Beneo is making a significant expansion in its chicory root fiber production facility in Chile by 2022, funded by an investment of more than €50 million (US$56 million). The news comes following rising demand for chicory root fibers, inulin and oligofructose, as consumer interest in digestive health continues to grow.

Globally, consumers are paying more attention to their digestive health and are gaining further understanding of the intrinsic link between the gut microbiome and its beneficial effect on overall well-being. 

According to Innova Market Insights, there is a renewed interest in fiber. Going beyond digestive health benefits is driving new fiber applications and ingredients. There has been an 11 percent average annual growth in F&B launches with a digestive health related claim (Global 2014-2018), says the market researcher. Sixty-four percent of US consumers say they consume fiber to promote healthy digestion (Innova Market Insights Survey, 2018). 

“The market demand for chicory root fiber continues to increase. In order to keep up with this rising interest, we are investing significantly into expanding our production facilities in Pemuco, Chile. With 20 percent more volume, Beneo can continue to ensure reliable and consistent delivery to our customers,” explains Eric Neven, Commercial Managing Director at Beneo-Orafti. 

Beneo production facility Pemuco, Chile.As well as expanding production capacity at the Chilean plant, the raw material sourcing will be supported by additional surface (hectares) dedicated to chicory farming in the region. The existing plant already operates using 75 percent renewable energy. The recent investment will enable Beneo to make yet further strides against its aim to increase the use of renewable energy over the coming years, the company reports. 

Inulin and oligofructose are the only plant-based proven prebiotics according to ISAPP (International Scientific Association for Pro- and Prebiotics). They have been scientifically shown to support a range of functional health benefits, including a balanced gut microbiota and a person’s overall well-being. 

There is a wealth of scientific evidence available) and Orafti Inulin has an exclusive 13.5 EU health claim for its promotion of digestive health, which is proving successful in various countries. 

Not only are Beneo’s prebiotic chicory root fibers helping to bridge the fiber gap, they are also being widely used in both food and beverages as they help to reduce fat, sugar and calories. Unlike other fibers, Beneo’s fibers are naturally derived from chicory roots via a gentle hot water extraction method and are natural, clean label and non-GMO. They are highly soluble and have a mild natural taste, allowing manufacturers to reformulate their products while keeping the same taste, body and mouthfeel as the original options. 

As digestive wellness continues to trend across the globe and more consumers come to realize the impact it has on their health, this significant production expansion will ensure Beneo is well-placed to maintain efficient delivery of its ingredients.

By Elizabeth Green