BioMatNet Item: FAIR-CT98-4106 - Glucomannan: a new vegetal texturising agent for European food and non-food industries

FAIR-CT98-4106
Glucomannan: a new vegetal texturising agent for European food and non-food industries

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Crops for Fine Chemicals : FAIR Area 1.2 - Green Chemicals and Polymers Chain : Fine Chemicals : Sugar

	Type of Project	Shared Cost
	Contract No	FAIR-CT98-4106
	Total Cost
	EC Contribution
	Start Date
	Duration	36 Months

Glucomannan: a new vegetal texturising agent for European food and non-food industries

Objectives

Glucomannan is a hydrocolloidal polysaccharide containing mannose and glucose. It can be obtained from the tubers of various species of Amorphophallus commonly known as konjac or elephant yam. Konjac glucomannan is already widely used in Asian countries and the United States. It has unique functional properties (viscosifying action and synergy with other natural gums). Raw material is mainly produced in various Asian countries. However, reliable and consistent information concerning agricultural and process management is lacking. The material imported into Europe (for diet food and pet food) is rarely of consistent quality and does not meet EU standards. Having recently received a provisional European classification number as a food additive (E425), the konjac flour may be imported in large quantities. Hence, the opportunity exists for production of a standardised glucomannan from a European source. This would contribute to agricultural diversification, will also improve the EU trade balance

Technical Approach

In order to meet the growing demand from the western food and non-food Industries, the project will assess methods for upgrading and standardisation of konjac glucomannan in EU countries by:

use of knowledge acquired concerning glucomannan functionalities in formulations
assessment of crop feasibility and profitability through adaptability and agricultural trials in two contrasting EU pedo-climatic conditions
development of an industrial complete refining process, aimed at standardisation of glucomannan quality, up to industrial scale
establishing a range of tailor made blends with specific functional properties, following end-uses industrial tests

Expected Results

This market-driven project, proposed by a group of mainly private companies (including 3 SMEs), will establish an integrated agro-industrial production chain for glucomannan, covering the complete chain from primary production to food and non-food industrial applications.

Contacts

Coordinator

Philippe De Braeckelaer / Centre de Valorisation des Glucides et Produits naturels / FRANCE

EC Scientific Officer

Adelmo MOREALE / European Commission DG VI Agriculture BELGIUM

Participant