Grower-owned sugarbeet cooperative Amalgamated Sugar has signed a joint venture agreement with the European-based fruit, starch and sugar group AGRANA for the construction of a betaine crystallization plant at AGRANA’s facility in Tulln, Austria.
Betaine is a byproduct of sugarbeets that is extracted in the sugar production process. Betaine has osmoregulatory properties, meaning it naturally helps animals retain proper water and salt concentrations. This vitamin-rich substance has multiple practical applications, not only in the livestock sector as a constituent of animal feed, but also in food supplements and sports drinks. Betaine is also used in cosmetic products.
Work on the new betaine crystallization plant is intended to start in early 2019. The joint venture will be investing approximately $40 million. The facility’s construction is projected to take about a year.
Amalgamated Sugar has been extracting liquid betaine from sugarbeet molasses since 1994 and began producing crystalline betaine in 2005. The new plant in Austria will be the third production site in the world where natural, high-quality crystalline betaine is produced.
“Amalgamated Sugar is a world leader in crystalline betaine technology. Our growers and company staff are looking forward to working together with AGRANA in this market,” said John McCreedy, president and CEO of Amalgamated Sugar. “Leveraging the technology developed by our subsidiary company, Amalgamated Research LLC (ARi), is an important strategic initiative for our future.”
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