Methocel products are used as thickeners and binding agents to help food maintain its shape and texture from production to consumption.
Normally the ingredient is used in baked goods, confectionery and frozen desserts, but has become increasingly popular in the meat market, says the US chemical corporation Dow.
Methocel can be used by meat producers to improve the quality and cost efficiency of meat production. By mimicking the structural functionality of meat, manufacturers are able to create meat products that cut fat by up to 60% while optimising cost without compromising taste, texture or look.
Fast-growing segments
“It gives the meat industry another option in the development of new products and improved existing products,” said Michiel van Genugten, Dow’s global food marketing leader.
“This development supports the demand from fast-growing market segments such as meat, meat analogues and gluten replacements and backs Dow’s commitment to multiple production lines for our food grades solutions to secure supply for our global customers.”
Dow views Europe’s meat market as a key growth area for the company’s food solutions. And van Genugten confirmed there would be more activity in Europe over the next year as Dow looks to tap into the meat industry’s demand for effective food ingredients.
Opportunities
“This is part of our overall plan to be more active in the meat industry and it is an industry where we really see a lot of opportunities for our products,” he added.
“We see customers want our product, we are growing in the market and we will definitely support this with more initiatives in the coming year. We will be visible in the meat market with our meat solutions in Europe and it is part of our strategy to supply the meat industry.”