Carrageenan producer Gelymar completes $15m expansion programme

Gelymar has doubled its carrageenan production capacity to approximately 10,000 tonnes following the completion of a $15m expansion programme.

The company has upgraded its two facilities in southern Chile, Puerto Montt and Tierra del Fuego, as part of its efforts to strengthen its positions in Europe and North America.

Gelymar CEO Andres Hohlberg said: “Gelymar has been registering double-digit growth for many years.

“We planned this expansion 24 months ago and invested the total investment amount in our two plants in southern Chile; Puerto Montt and Tierra del Fuego, so as to meet the growing demand of our renewable, new carrageenan line.

“Doubling the production capacity positions Gelymar as a key player and one of the top three carrageenan producers globally. Food manufacturers rely on expert ingredient producers that can guarantee sustainable supply and offer strong social responsibility programmes.”

Gelymar said that it will exhibit its sustainable carrageenan line, including new textural solutions for dairy, nutrition beverages, vegan products and dressings at IFT Expo in New Orleans, together with its US strategic partner AIDP.

Gelymar introduced a series of products in the past 18 months for vegan, dairy, confectionery, pharmaceutical and personal care products.

The company noted that it used local and renewable fresh raw algae to produce the majority of its products.

Currently, Gelymar exports its products to various locations across the globe, including Europe, Spain, the Middle East, China, North-Africa and the US.

Gelymar president Vicente Navarrete said: “We have more than 200 commercial ingredient formulations at Gelymar with different textural and functional properties. They are composed of multiple extracts. We carry the largest portfolio of such extracts worldwide.”

Gelymar has three manufacturing sites situated in Chile and Indonesia, two product technology centres, and a worldwide distribution network.