Nexira has increased its acacia processing capacity by more than 20% at its French site. The plant, located in Normandy, can produce more than 35,000 tons of acacia fibre yearly, enabling the company to meet growing global demand for nutritional ingredients.
The company has invested more than $10m in its industrial facilities, including a spray dryer to enhance productivity and energy performance. It now has three acacia fibre processing lines at the French site. Further investments are also planned for the rest of 2022 and beyond, the company says.
“With these investments, we are significantly increasing our production capabilities, while pursuing a strategic focus on the health and nutrition markets and reducing our carbon footprint. We are confirming our leadership in acacia with a market share of over 40% and are further accelerating our diversification by adding new natural and organic ingredients to our portfolio. The growing market of nutritional products is boosting the demand on acacia fibre, particularly in the United States. It has been heightened by the Food and Drug Administration’s recent decision to grant dietary fibre status to acacia, following the citizen petition supported by Nexira.
“Our new production capacities will allow us to meet this demand not only for acacia fibre but also other natural ingredients; we have additional long-term plans for production in the US to better serve our customers on the North American continent”, said Mathieu Dondain, General Manager Development of Nexira.
With a minimum of 90% fiber content guaranteed, the company says, its inavea acacia fibre is positioned as a clean label ingredient for fibre fortification. It’s certified FODMAP-friendly and has proven prebiotic effects. The ingredient is suitable for use in functional beverages, nutritional powders, healthy snack bars or supplements that promote gut health.