Cargill builds its first sugar refinery

Cargill has announced the construction of its first sugar refinery in the U.S. in order to follow the company’s plan to be a “one-stop sweetener provider, manufacturing products ranging from corn syrups, sugar and low-calorie sweetening solutions,” said a spokesperson for Cargill. The Louisiana plant will cost around $150 million to build and will produce one million tons of sugar per year. Commercial production is set to begin in the first half of 2010.

Barry Callebaut to acquire 60% stake in KLK Cocoa

Cocoa manufacturer Barry Callebaut and Malaysia-based Kuala Lumpur Kepong Berhad (KLK) have made an agreement that KLK will sell 60% of its wholly-owned subsidiary KLK Cocoa to Barry Callebaut. The deal will allow Barry Callebaut to benefit from KLK Cocoa’s strong local expertise while KLK Cocoa expands its business to a broader, global platform. KLK Cocoa’s name will become Barry Callebaut Malaysia.

Frutarom joins energy market

Israel-based supplier Frutarom has introduced an energy “ingredient concept” to help manufacturers with new product development. The company plans to use combinations of herbal extracts and “other functional ingredients that offer various approaches to energy plus authentic flavors.” The energizing ingredients will include green tea, guarana, schisandra, ginseng, green maté and more. The natural ingredients can be applied to confectionery products, nutrition bars and beverages.