Starch derivatives company Cerestar, recently acquired by US agribusiness Cargill, claims this week that it has met the challenge to develop a gum type that differs from typical gelatine and starch gums. According to the company sales predictions have doubled in the first six months.
Cargill-Cerestar's European application development team developedC*ClearSet, an oxidised tapioca starch with clarity and gelling properties that can be used as a gelatine replacement to meet Kosher, Halal and vegetarian food standards.
Hubert De Kezel, from Cerestar's application centre, commented: "Typical forthe gum confectionery market is the demand for enormous variations inproduct shapes, colours and flavours. This requires considerable flexibilityin manufacturing. There's also increasing pressure for gums with a fresher,healthier and more natural image."
The new gelatine-free C*ClearSet starch, that can be applied in both fruit and liquoricegums, is soft, clear, flexible and stable, with a medium-long texture.
Cerestar commented that it predicts the market for high clarity gums will grow forcefully asnew consumers look for top quality in combination with healthy and safeingredients.