As part of its strategy to expand its soy protein business in Asia, DuPont, the American company providing scientific solutions in food and nutrition, announced on June 12 that it has reached an agreement with the government of the Chinese county of Yun Meng to acquire the Hubei Longyun Protein Food Group's soy protein facility. Estimated total investment is estimated at US$ 20m. DuPont has been marketing Supro® brand soy protein products in China through its Protein Technologies International business since 1992. Protein Technologies International is a researcher and producer of soy protein and soy fibre ingredients. Known as DuPont Yun Meng Protein Company, Ltd., DuPont claims the new food and nutrition venture enable it to meet the growing demand for nutritious and good tasting ingredients in higher value segments such as beverages, supplements and premium processed meat products. The facility will manufacture high-quality soy protein isolate, with a minimum of 90 per cent protein. DuPont estimates the annual global food ingredients market to be about US$20 bn, growing at a rate of 3 to 5 per cent per year. The healthy food ingredients market is growing at an average of 15 per cent per year, with total annual sales of US$2-3 bn. DuPont established its first office in China in 1984 and today has 14 wholly owned subsidiaries and joint ventures. In addition, the company also has more than 10 technology transfer projects underway in 18 research and manufacturing institutions nationwide. Source: DuPont
