Tate & Lyle marks 75 years of pectin innovation in Großenbrode
Founded with the vision of harnessing plant-based ingredients, the plant has since evolved into one of the world’s leading producers of citrus peel-derived pectin.
GERMANY – Tate & Lyle is celebrating 75 years of pectin production at its Großenbrode plant on Germany’s Baltic coast.
This site has grown from modest beginnings in 1950 to become a globally recognised centre of ingredient innovation.
The plant was initially founded with the vision of harnessing plant-based ingredients and has since evolved into one of the world’s leading producers of citrus peel-derived pectin.
Today, its products are used in a wide variety of applications, from jams and yoghurts to dietary supplements, cosmetics, and household items.
Pectin’s versatility lies in its ability to gel, thicken, stabilise, balance pH, and protect proteins, functionalities that impact everyday consumer experiences.
Reflecting on this milestone, Nick Hampton, CEO of Tate & Lyle, said, “Today, with the support of the Großenbrode site, Tate & Lyle is the world’s leading producer of pectin. The pectin from this plant is sustainably sourced, and we are very proud of the way the plant looks to operate in a way that minimises its environmental footprint and works in partnership with the local community.”
He highlighted that sustainability is central to the plant’s operations, which include sending zero waste to landfill, recycling biosolids to enrich farmland, producing electricity and steam from biogas, and reducing emissions through solar energy.
Generations of employees have shaped the plant’s reputation. Many staff members have followed in family footsteps, building a strong culture of expertise and resilience.
Their contributions extend beyond production: workers participate in local initiatives, including charity fundraising, blood drives, support for animal rescue centers, and partnerships with schools to promote apprenticeships and internships.
A close relationship with the volunteer fire department underscores the plant’s commitment to safety and community well-being.
The Großenbrode site also enters a new chapter following Tate & Lyle’s acquisition of CP Kelco in November 2024, which united two global leaders in specialty ingredients. This integration positions Großenbrode within Tate & Lyle’s broader global manufacturing network, comprising 25 plants worldwide.
Sönke Schweiger, Plant Director at Großenbrode, emphasised the site’s transformation over the decades, “Today, we celebrate the remarkable journey of our plant, from a small facility on the Baltic Sea to a site that is now recognised worldwide. This transformation is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and innovation of our entire team.”
From its origins in sunflower experiments to its current role as a supplier of world-class pectin, the Großenbrode plant has combined scientific excellence, sustainable practices, and community engagement.
As Tate & Lyle looks to the future, the legacy of innovation on the Baltic coast continues to play a central role in its global ambition of “Transforming Lives through the Science of Food.”
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