MINNEAPOLIS - Cargill Health & Food Technologies (H&FT) is pleased to announce that Cosucra Warcoing Group, Cargill’s inulin supplier, will significantly expand plant production capacity to an excess of 45,000 metric tons per year beginning later 2004.

      Work is already well underway to allow the first production to be available in December 2004.  “This is great news for North American food manufacturers,” stated Jim Kappas, H&FT director of international and emerging products. “The expanded supply reflects our continued commitment to serve the rapidly growing inulin market,” Kappas said. 

      Cargill holds exclusive marketing rights in North America for Cosucra’s inulin that sells under the brand name of Oliggo-Fiber(R).

      “The increased production capacity couldn’t come at a better time,” commented Kappas, noting the skyrocketing demand for low-carbohydrate food products and the consumer’s increased interest in soluble fiber.  “Oliggo-Fiber inulin is a natural, low calorie soluble fiber. Customers and prospective customers interested in the premium Oliggo-Fiber(R) Instant, F-97 and LCHT inulin product grades will appreciate the greater availability of these brands. Oliggo-Fiber(R) inulin may also help boost calcium absorption and act as a prebiotic,” said Kappas.

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Cargill Health & Food Technology, based in Minneapolis, is a leading developer, processor and marketer of science-based, healthy ingredients of food and dietary supplements worldwide. Cargill H&FT is business unit of Cargill, an international provider of food, agricultural and risk management products and services.  With 101,000 employees in 60 countries, the company is committed to using its knowledge and experience to collaborate with customers to help them succeed.  For more information, visit http://www.cargillhft.com and http://www.cargill.com.