Lactic acid price rise at Purac
market, as the Dutch firm announces increases between five and ten
per cent across a range of lactic acid and lactate products.
Cost increases are necessary, the company claims, due to a hike in price for its chemical raw material sources, including caustic soda and a range of smaller chemicals.
Rising costs for energy and packaging materials have also made an impact, and spurred the move to hike up European prices from 15 June.
The range, from €0.70 to €3 a kilo, spans food and feed grade to the higher pharma grade.
Lactic acid is used extensively by the food industry as a flavour agent, preservative, and acidity adjuster in foods.
Applications include in dry egg powder to improve dispersion and whipping properties, in cheese spreads and salad dressings.
Sodium lactate, a humectant, is used in cakes to produce a tender crumb and to reduce staling. This non-meat ingredient is also absorbed into meat formulations for specific flavour, shelf-life and safety aspects.
Potassium lactate, the potassium salt of lactic acid, is a white, odourless solid used as a flavouring agent, humectant and pH control agent.
Purac is a subsidiary of the €2.8 billion bakery ingredients firm CSM.
