The fruit, starch and sugar group AGRANA has signed a joint venture agreement with US-based sugar producer Amalgamated (The Amalgamated Sugar Company) relating to the construction of a betaine crystallisation plant at its sugar mill in Tulln, Lower Austria. The conclusion of the contract is subject to approval by the anti-trust authorities.
Betaine is manufactured from sugar beet molasses and has numerous practical applications. Betaine is used not only in the livestock sector as a constituent of animal feedstuffs but also in food supplements and sports drinks. Due to its osmoregulatory properties, betaine is also used in cosmetic products.
Work on the new betaine crystallisation plant is intended to start in early 2019. The financing required for the new facility of the joint venture amounts to around € 40 million. The construction work will take approximately a year.