Cosucra Awarded For Consolidating Soluble Fibre Market Share

12/09/06 Frost & Sullivan has presented the 2006 Award for Competitive Strategy Leadership in the European food fibre market ito Cosucra Groupe Warcoing for consolidating its share in the European soluble fibre market. Through focused competitive strategies, the company - already a leading market participant - has been able to increase its recent market share growth by nearly 25 per cent. Currently, Cosucra Groupe Warcoing is the second largest producer in the European as well as global inulin fibre market, after Orafti.

One of the key strategies adopted by the company to strengthen its competitive position has been the conversion of its sugar plant in northern France to an inulin and oligofructose production facility in 2003. This move boosted the company's annual production capacity to 45,000 tonnes, while helping it expand its share in the dietary fibres market.

"This decision highlights the changing vision of the company, underlining its shift towards the rapidly expanding health foods market," explains Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Kathy Brownlie. "As a result of the conversion from sugar to health promoting ingredients, the group has moved away from being a traditional ingredient supplier to becoming a solutions supplier offering technical, nutritional, regulatory, marketing, and sales support in the health foods industry."

Another noteworthy strategic decision has been the company's partnership with Cargill's Health & Food Technologies business unit. The latter holds exclusive marketing rights in North America for Cosucra Groupe Warcoing's inulin and oligofructose ingredients sold under the brand name of Oliggo-Fiber - a natural, lower-calorie soluble fibre, that has been shown to enhance dietary calcium absorption among preteens and postmenopausal women. This relationship with Cargill has increased the visibility and market share of Cosucra Groupe Warcoing.

"The company has also successfully established a presence in more than 33 countries worldwide through its dedicated marketing and research departments," says Research Analyst Kathy Brownlie. "This global presence has not only helped the company to minimise transportation costs, but has enabled it to service its clients locally."

The major products offered by the group include Fibruline (Chicory inulin), Fibrulose (Chicory oligofructose), and Pisane (Pea protein isolate). These products help in the reduction of calories by replacing fat and sugars but also in protein enrichment while maintaining the original texture and flavour properties of the product. Health advantages include the development of beneficial bacteria (prebiotic) and enhancing calcium absorption. As a result, these ingredients are used in a wide range of products across the food and beverage industry.