Identified also as carob bean gum, the ingredient is derived from the seed of the evergreen carob tree and acts as a natural stabilizer, thickener and emulsifier. It is extremely sought-after by meals manufacturers – particularly these in the industry of ice cream, dairy, infant formula and plant-based alternatives – as an alternative to artificial stabilizers and thickeners, and for enabling clean-label formulations and supporting sustainable claims.
Within the last five years and especially correct via the COVID-19 pandemic, demand vastly outstripped provide, causing costs to upward thrust by 800% at one point. Alternative blends and ingredients were formulated to fade the availability gap whereas offering similar functional benefits at decrease costs. But according to IFF, one among the largest suppliers of LBG globally, the crisis is now over. “The present state of locust bean gum availability is sturdy and stable. LBG pricing has also stabilized since the availability shortages,” said Jean-Baptiste Dufeu, global product manager, LBG, Nourish IFF.
“Presently, costs are shut to what they were in 2017, when adjusted for inflation, sooner than the kernel shortage. While it’s natural to quiz some minor fluctuations in costs, these variations are now interior a very small range.”
While no longer commenting on global provide chain stipulations, the IFF representative said the company itself was ‘absolutely prepared’ to meet demand for the sought-after ingredient. “Over the past 300 and sixty five days, we have recovered and strengthened our provide chains. Our efforts have incorporated rebuilding inventory carry-over shares, which are essential for maintaining a constant provide, and taking proactive measures to draw stipulations for increased provide volumes in the approaching decades, along with toughen for the advance of latest plantations.”
The locust bean tree is an evergreen capable of withstanding droughts that are increasingly affecting its native increasing status – the Mediterranean – however it takes around 8-10 years for the tree to bear fruit, which can in flip be harvested exclusively once a year. Dufeu admitted IFF was ‘acutely aware of the unusual challenges associated with carob manufacturing’ and that measures had been taken to mitigate the possibility of another severe shortage. “We have proactively initiated strategic partnerships with farmers,” he stated. “This long-term commitment to collaboration has been in growth for several years, and we are already witnessing significant outcomes.
LBG can be ancient across a huge spectrum of both dairy and dairy alternatives, and it’s an essential ingredient in many different merchandise. Some of probably the most important applications include plant-based beverages, infant formula, cream cheese, pet meals, bakery and confectionery. LBG is neatly identified for its ability to enhance creamy mouthfeel, texture, and shelf-existence stability, contributing to the quality and performance of a range of merchandise, which demonstrates its value in the meals trade.
“The partnerships no longer exclusively make certain the present availability of carob however also lay the foundation for sustained and sturdy provide in the long coast.
“By working intently with farmers, we are actively contributing to the resilience of the trade, minimising the threat of future shortages, and fostering the endured trend of carob crops.”
But amidst increasing availability of LBG alternatives on the market – either in the shape of various natural ingredients such as tara gum or blends and specialist ingredients formulated to replace LBG – what proof is there that manufacturers easy want to make use of ‘the real factor’, given the value and availability fluctuations? Citing Mintel data, Dufeu said there was ‘a certain pattern in the demand for LBG among meals manufacturers today’. “Within the primary and 2d quarters of 2023, we have noticed that the alternative of latest merchandise incorporating LBG is awfully shut to the figures recorded in the same length in 2021. This means a notable resurgence in self assurance among meals manufacturers regarding LBG provide, indicative of a increasing pastime in LBG.
“While demand for LBG is anticipated to rebound, it may take up to five years to absolutely return to pre-crisis ranges.
“This five-year horizon allows for significant increases in nick volume and carry-over shares, guaranteeing a more constant and reliable LBG provide for manufacturers in the long coast.”
As for alternative ingredients and solutions, Dufeu insisted that there are factors that counsel LBG remains superior. “LBG possesses weird functionalities that are complicated to replace, and its effectiveness at low usage rates sets it apart from alternative ingredients. For instance, in applications adore ice cream, LBG excels in cutting back ice crystal increase at decrease concentration ranges compared to different hydrocolloids. Moreover, manufacturers who want LBG can be assured that they’re the usage of a naturally sourced ingredient from carob trees that are grown with very diminutive use of fertilizers and water.”
In ice cream, LBG is probably the most generally-ancient hydrocolloid, he added. “What’s more, its usage is anticipated to remain stable, mirroring the anticipated increase of the ice cream market [2% CAGR from 2023 to 2027, according to Euromonitor]. Within the present market landscape, patrons are in quest of added value in their meals picks, emphasising quality, functionality, clean labels, sustainability, and longer shelf existence. At the same time, many are having a learn about for emotional connections via indulgence and premiumisation. This gifts a weird alternative for ice cream brands to proceed focusing on LBG utilization with minimal sign-in-use (CIU).”
Supply:
Handbook of Hydrocolloids (Third Model), Woodhead Publishing Sequence in Meals Science, Skills and Diet 2021, Pages 273-293
Chapter 9: Galactomannans
Author: L.M. Nwokocha
DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-12-820104-6.00033-4