Danisco has formed a strategic partnership with the second-largest microcrystalline cellulose manufacturer in the world, Mingtai in Taiwan. The partnership will focus on developing MCC-based solutions to the global food industry, and Danisco introduces a full range of Grindsted MCC types optimized toward the specific food application in question.

“With Grindsted MCC, food manufacturers are being offered an alternative that has been specifically developed to suit the functional demands of the various application areas such as dairy, culinary, bakery or nutrition bars and drinks,’ said Niels Thestrup, vice president of Danisco’s Gums & Systems division. “Entering into the microcrystalline cellulose or cellulose gel area is a natural extension of Danisco’s wide hydrocolloid product range, which already counts all the major food hydrocolloids used by the global food industry such as pectin, xanthan gum, carrageenan, alginate, cellulose gum, locust bean and guar gum.”

Peter Chen, chief operating officer of Mingtai, said: “Forming a partnership with Danisco allows us to expand more rapidly into the food industry by utilizing Danisco’s extensive food application knowledge and global sales network. The partnership also allows us to consolidate our top two position in the MCC industry and will help us expand our production capacity as well as continue to optimize costs.”

The Danisco-Mingtai partnership not only allows Danisco to market Grindsted MCC, but also allows the two parties to develop new products and optimize production technologies and costs.

The world food market for MCC is estimated to be above DKK 500 million.

Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) is derived from specially produced wood pulp. It provides a fat-like mouthfeel and is therefore used to replace fat in a number of emulsified products such as mayonnaise, creamy dressings, processed cheese and desserts. MCC is also one of the best hydrocolloids for the suspension of particles and is used in, for instance, chocolate milk and nutritional drinks.

Mingtai, located in Taiwan, is one of the leading specialized excipients and additives manufacturers for the pharmaceutical and food industries, with more than 35 years of experience. Mingtai’s product quality has gained recognition by users worldwide. The pharma grades are used as aids in solid dosages (such as tablets) functioning as binders and disintegrants. The product range also includes hydrocolloids derived from natural sources supporting the performance in liquid pharma and food applications.

Denmark-based Danisco is a world leader in food ingredients, enzymes and bio-based solutions. Using nature’s own materials, science and the knowledge of our 9,500 people, it designs and delivers bio-based ingredients that meet market demand for healthier and safer products. Danisco’s ingredients are used globally in a wide range of industries – from bakery, dairy and beverages to animal feed, laundry detergents and bioethanol – offering functional, economic and environmental benefits.

Find out more at www.danisco.com.