Penford ups potato starch output
expanded its manufacturing capabilities to make sure supplies of
potato starch are consistent after a poor harvest in Europe,
reports Philippa Nuttall.
The company noted that this year's harvest in Europe was disappointing and has left European and US customers with an inconsistent supply of potato starch from that side of the Atlantic.
Therefore, to meet the growing domestic demand for potato based starch and to mitigate the uncertainties in the European supply chain, Penford has increased its raw material base by nearly 30 percent.
Penford supplies native potato starch and a variety of modified food starches from its manufacturing facilities in Plover, WI, Idaho Falls, ID and Richland, WA.
Potato starch is used by hundreds of manufacturers for meat processing, French fries and other food applications.
Last month, Penford introduced PenTexture - the first in a new line of starches designed to add texture to food products according to the company.
"PenTexture is the first potato-based starch that is specifically designed for enhancing texture and pulpiness in tomato based sauces," Jeff Smith, the company's director of business development told FoodNavigatorUSA.com, adding that most starches are made from corn or tapioca.
Penford added that the ingredient has been processed to create a pulpy texture that can be blended with tomato paste, concentrate, or puree, to extend the finished product, offsetting the cost of pure tomato based products
"PenTexture is a cost effective ingredient. Unlike starches made from corn that can create undesirable organoleptic properties, PenTexture maintains the natural flavor and color of the desired end product as it complements a nice pulpy texture," said the company.
The starch has superior water binding capability and is heat, pH, process and storage stable.
