Cosucra to Invest EUR30M in Belgian Pea Production Facilities

6 Sep 2013 --- Active for more than twenty years in research and development in natural food ingredients, Cosucra is strengthening its industrial and commercial leadership by investing 30 million euros in its Belgian pea protein production unit.

Cosucra is a Belgian company, pioneer in the world of high added value nutritional ingredients derived from chicory and peas. Their products, Fibruline (inulin extracted from chicory roots), Pisane (a pea protein isolate) and Swelite (pea fibre) are used by over 400 manufacturers and are included in over 1500 food products worldwide.

In 1990, when no economic player was taking any interest in this natural food ingredient, Cosucra emerged as a pioneer in the extraction and marketing of pea protein.

Today Pisane pea protein is recognized by the market as a high quality plant protein that can be used in a wide range of products.

The company is keen today to strengthen its presence in the pea protein market and to provide its commercial and industrial partners with higher volumes.

“The plant protein market is constantly growing, with an estimated volume of 1.6 million tonnes produced in 2011 (Frost & Sullivan). The growing interest in this type of protein is related to an increased awareness among consumers about healthier food prepared with ingredients that come from local and sustainable farming”. Michel Dewael – Commercial Director, Cosucra.

In a market still dominated by soy protein, pea protein is recording rapid growth, especially in the North American and European markets. Asian markets keep a close eye on the development of this product, aware of its value as a non-allergenic nutritional supplement. Cosucra is today reaping the benefits of its industrial and commercial investment and is recording an annual growth of over 20% of its Pisane sales in the market segments of sport, medical nutrition, seniors, vegetarians and diet nutrition.

This investment will expand production capacity for its Pisane product, by the creation of a second pea protein refining line. The investment project has already been endorsed by the company’s board of directors and is due to start in October 2013. The extension of its Warcoing (BE) production site will be operational at the beginning of 2015. The project will also include the construction of a second drying tower as well as an additional packaging line.

This new pea protein refining line will reinforce Cosucra’s corporate strategy and mission. “Cosucra makes a contribution to safe and healthy food using the traditional wealth of locally grown vegetable crops. With our scientific expertise, taste for innovation and market knowledge we develop exclusive new ingredients from the products of nature. Our ultimate aim is to improve the health and well-being of each and everyone,” says Jacques Crahay, CEO.
Pisane is a highly pure pea protein isolate (~90% protein on dry matter) that provides high levels of nutrition and functionality for the manufacturing of high protein dietetic foods and beverages. It improves the nutritional content and the overall quality of products such as beverages, bars and biscuits, soups, ready-meals, specifically designed for weight management, performance improvement, allergenicity concerns and medical purposes.

Pisane contains all the nine essential amino acids that cannot be synthesized by humans in sufficient quantity to cover almost all the daily requirements for adults. Based on the WHO/FAO/UNU updated protein requirements for adults over 18, the amino acid score (AAS) of Pisane is 0.96 (WHO, 2007) for a maximum score of 1. Furthermore, it is well tolerated and easily digestible, contains no cholesterol and is free from gluten, lactose and major allergens.