The Brenntag Food & Nutrition business unit in North America has signed a distribution agreement with Sensus America to distribute chicory root fiber in the US. 

The move comes amid a heightened focus on ingredients that support overall well-being. This month, NutritionInsight reported that Sensus has committed to “significant capital” to expand its chicory inulin production capacity starting next year.

“We are excited to share our strategic collaboration with Sensus for Inulin and FOS in the US. We are eager to showcase the importance of these two lines and their usage to address gut health and overall well-being,” states Larry Davis, vice president Brenntag Food & Nutrition North America. 

A promising collaboration
As part of the investment, Sensus will contract increased acreage for chicory root with its farmer base, with some additional production areas already secured. 

Brenntag is now a distributor for dry-inulin powders and Liquid Fructooligosaccharides (FOS), generally recognized and labeled as Chicory Root Fiber. 

The portfolio includes the following product names: Frutalose SF75, L90, L85, OFP, SFP, and Frutafit HD, IQ, CLR, TEX!, OAI. These products can be used in food and beverage applications, including snacks, bakery goods, yogurts, ice cream, and fruit sauces, purees and bars.  

“As consumer demand continues to grow in this area, we’re confident our applications and technical expertise, in conjunction with Sensus’ market position, will help our customers meet this demand,” Davis says.

Frutalose and Frutafit are colorless, have a neutral taste and can enrich many food products without affecting their appearance, texture or flavor. 

Functionally, it can:

• replac sugar and fat while improving taste and mouthfeel.
• Promote digestive health by enriching the fiber content of food.
• Stimulate the production of beneficial bacteria in the colon.
• Stimulate calcium absorption, resulting in potentially improved bone health.

Expanding to a wider base
“The US chicory inulin market has seen rapid growth, and we are delighted to work with Brenntag’s first-rate teams to reach even more customers,” states Ken Horn, president and general manager of Sensus America.

“The focus and footprint Brenntag brings to our relationship will allow Sensus to keep up with the rising demand of the chicory inulin market by growing consumer preference toward healthier food ingredients.”

Earlier this month, Brenntag Food & Nutrition, UK & Ireland, was appointed as the sole distribution partner for Dr. Suwelack’s Milk & More product range, effective as of February 1, 2021.

In June, Brenntag opened a Food Application & Development Center in Guarulhos, close to São Paulo in Brazil, further increasing its global footprint.