Lecico, an international supplier of lecithins and phospholipids, has began an exclusive distribution partnership with Ciranda for the North American market.

Wisconsin-headquartered Ciranda supplies brands and manufacturers with a wide range of high-quality certified organic and non-GMO ingredients, sourced globally, focusing on sustainable supply and fair trade practices.

Spotlight on clean label
“Around the world, the focus of consumers on clean labeling – demanding more naturally derived organic food and beverage products – as well as health and nutrition is growing,” Timo Nieraese, sales manager at Lecico, tells FoodIngredientsFirst. 

“With a wide range of food manufacturing and product benefits, Lecithin is benefiting from these trends. It is a highly versatile ingredient working as an emulsifier or lubricant, as well as being used as an antioxidant and flavor protector to boost the taste, quality and texture of food and beverage formulations.”

“Our ability to leverage production capacity and capability is therefore significant and we’re really excited about the growth potential of the business,” he adds.

“As consumers continue to grow their awareness of clean labeling and the relationship between nutrition, health and overall well-being, we have a significant market opportunity with this exclusive partnership,” adds Jean-Philippe Tournoy, CEO of Ciranda.

A strong partnership
Lecico’s distribution agreement with Ciranda secures its success in the region, providing customers with the commercial and technical support they require on a local basis.

“Circanda’s business values align directly with ours, offering organic and non-GMO plant-based ingredients to a wide range of markets and applications. By working together, we can provide the high-quality ingredients and local technical service and support that our customers value,” says Lecico CEO Sarah Bradley. 

“Lecico’s fully integrated, vertical supply chain provides quality assurance and traceability for our North American customers,” adds Tournoy.

Lecithins in the spotlight
Lecico offers a wide range of lecithins produced from sunflower, soy and canola in various formats. 

Most commonly used to replac synthetic emulsifiers and lubricants in foods, beverages, pharmaceuticals and personal care products, lecithin also acts as an antioxidant and flavor protector.

According to Nieraese, Lecico is seeing significant demand for lecithin ingredients across baked goods, confectionery and instant products, all of which have high levels of new product development and innovation.

“F&B in North America is a really exciting marketplace at the moment,” he affirms. 

“The pandemic saw most brands concentrating on core ranges and simply ensuring products could get to shelf. Now we are returning to more settled times, we are seeing a renewed focus on new product development and brands seeking ingredients innovation that boosts quality and taste, as well as supports food processing efficiency.”

In January 2019, Lecico was taken over by French-headquartered agricultural company Avril. At the time, the company said the move would allow Lecico to strengthen its position in the organics space, with increased European production potential. 

In March 2018, Lecico told FoodIngredientsFirst that the market for lecithin was growing as the ingredients fit with clean label demands.