Cargill Completes Acquisition of FMC’s Pectin Operations

16 Sep 2015 --- Following the regulatory approval process, Cargill has completed the acquisition of FMC’s pectin operations in Milazzo, Sicily (Italy). The acquisition includes a pectin production line, dry peel storage silos, a quality control laboratory, commercial portfolio and a dedicated, experienced workforce.

“The acquisition strengthens our offer of label-friendly food ingredients and customers will benefit from our sourcing and chain expertise,” says Colleen May, president of Cargill’s texturizing solutions business. “For many years now, pectin has been one of the star products in our texturizing portfolio and the Milazzo facility will contribute to our offering by producing high quality HM (high methoxyl) pectin.”

Cargill has been eager to expand its capacity, as well as its expertise. “The Milazzo workforce is a great addition as they have highly specialized knowledge and capabilities, in addition to outstanding processing and safety records. As such, this acquisition is a perfect addition to our existing network of facilities in Europe and will help us meet our customers’ growing pectin demand,” concludes Colleen May. 

The Milazzo plant is a highly specialized pectin production facility located in the middle of the citrus orchards near the Tyrrhenian Sea in Sicily. Since 1990 the facility produces high quality HM (high methoxyl) pectin, running primarily on fresh peel. The site comprises fresh peel washing and drying equipment, a pectin production line, dry peel storage silos and a quality control laboratory. It is operated by an experienced team with an outstanding processing and safety record.