Galactic ups production capacity of lactates to meet mineral fortification demand
A spokesperson for the supplier told this publication that a multi-million euro backed expansion of the Escanaffles facility in Belgium will allow it to hit 10,000 tonnage output for the lactates. “The additional output is already partially realized and will be fully available by the end of the year,” he added.
The calcium lactate is provided in powder and pearl formats, while its lactate esters, used in flavouring applications, are in liquid format, said the company, which is part of the Finasucre Group.
The Galactic spokesperson claims that calcium lactate, which has to be labelled with an E-number, offers “superior bio-availability” compared to other calcium sources.
Managing director of the company, Frédéric van Gansberghe, also flagged up plans to increase output throughout the suppliers’ portfolio range, adding that the company “may announce further expansion plans in the next few months, especially where specialties are concerned.”
But the representative would not be drawn on what other lactates and derivatives are in development at Galactic.
January saw the lactic acid supplier announce its intention to invest in an innovation centre for food and non-food applications in Escanaffles, with the company saying that the 2000 m² building will house several laboratories and pilot facilities dedicated to the development of new applications for lactic acid and lactates in meat, bakery and dairy.
As part of the initiative, Galactic said it is also looking to develop fermentation halls and chemical reactors for research on new molecules.
“Such a concentration of activities will increase information sharing, reduce time-to-market and speed up R&D and patent application,” flagged up the Belgian producer at the time of the announcement.
When asked today when the site will be on-stream, the spokesperson said: “Depending on the building permits, it should be completed in the next 12 months.”
