Nexira addresses booming US acacia fiber demand with US$10M production investment

25 Mar 2022 --- France-based Nexira has invested over US$10 million in increasing its acacia fiber processing capacity by over 20%. This is a response to rising demand for the ingredient – especially in the US, following the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s recent decision to grant dietary fiber status to acacia.

“Our new production capacities will allow us to meet this demand not only for acacia fiber but also other natural ingredients. We have additional long-term plans for production in the US to better serve our customers on the North American continent,” says Mathieu Dondain, general manager of development of Nexira.

He continues that the growing market of nutritional products is boosting the demand for acacia fiber, particularly in the US.

Following various scientific studies conducted by Nexira demonstrating the beneficial physiological effects of acacia fiber on human health, the FDA decided to grant acacia “dietary fiber” status last December.

The company emphasizes that its US subsidiary has been active for over 40 years, and the country represents a “major market” for it.

Nexira has seven other international subsidiaries, with the most recent being the 2021 opening in Singapore. As a result, the company has seen “significant” expansion in the dynamic Asian market. Innova Market Insights reports that two-thirds of consumers see gut health as key to holistic well-being. 

Adding a spray dryer
Nexira’s French site in Normandy can now produce more than 35,000 metric tons of acacia fiber yearly.

The investment included a new spray dryer to enhance productivity and energy performance. The company now has three French acacia fiber processing lines and has planned “further significant investments” over the next two years.

“With these investments, we are significantly increasing our production capabilities while pursuing a strategic focus on the health and nutrition markets and reducing our carbon footprint,” says Dondain. 

“We are confirming our leadership in acacia with a market share of over 40% and are further accelerating our diversification by adding new natural and organic ingredients to our portfolio.”

Embracing “Gut Glory”
Nexira’s Inavea acacia fiber has a guaranteed minimum of 90% fiber content, making it a desirable clean label ingredient for fiber fortification. Possible applications include functional beverages, nutritional powders, healthy snack bars or supplements that promote gut health.

It is also certified FODMAP-friendly and has proven prebiotic effects. Prebiotics travel through the digestive tract to the colon, where gut bacteria consume them and release metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids that appear to confer health benefits. 

According to Innova Market Insights – which pegged “Gut Glory” as a top trend for 2022 – two in three global consumers say gut health is key to achieving holistic well-being. Notably, consumers see fiber as being the most effective ingredient related to gut health, as well as being the one they are most familiar with. 

Further functionality of prebiotic ingredients in food and beverages include fiber, mild sweetness and fat placement, notes the market researcher.

By Katherine Durrell