Japanese-based Mitsubishi Chemical Group (MCG) is expanding its sugar ester emulsifier production capacity with the addition of a new line to the production facility scheduled to go into full-scale operation in March 2024.
The new line will be located at its Kyushu Plant near Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture to help meet global demand for high-quality food products. Construction of the new line began in January 2024, and operation is scheduled to start in March 2026.
MCG new sugar ester production facility in Kyushu will have a production capacity of 2000 tonnes/year while its new line, which will be ready by March 2026, will add a further 1,100 tonnes/year in capacity.
Sugar ester is an emulsifier made primarily from sucrose and fatty acids derived from vegetable oils and fats. It functions to mix water and oil evenly, helping to maintain quality during food processing, distribution, and storage, and is used across a wide range of food products like beverages, dairy products and confectionery including cakes and chocolate products. The MCG has 70% share of the global market for sugar ester.
To meet growing domestic and overseas demand from China and other countries, and BCP requirements, MCG plans to commence full-scale operation of the production facilities at the Kyushu Plant in March 2024 to support the existing Tokai Plant which has a production capacity of 10,000 tonnes.
MCG is also considering establishing sales offices in various regions this year to strengthen its marketing network in the US, Europe and Southeast Asia. MCG sugar ester production facilities have already acquired kosher and halal certifications.
