Press Room

September 5, 2007

Cognis expands emulsifier range with kosher monoglycerides

Global food producers have to take local sensitivities and cultures into account when marketing their products in different countries. One important demand to manufacturers is that for kosher food – especially for products that are to be exported to the US, Israel and other countries. Food manufacturers therefore need ingredients that themselves meet kosher requirements. Cognis’ strategic business unit Nutrition & Health, one of the leading manufacturers of emulsifiers and emulsifier compounds, has now added high-quality kosher monoglycerides to its portfolio.

The challenges of the global food market include not only meeting the tastes of consumers in vastly different cultures, but also taking into account the various legal and religious requirements in those cultures. For example, consumers following the traditional Jewish food laws will only buy food that is kosher. To help manufacturers serve this market, Cognis has expanded its portfolio of kosher monoglycerides, suitable for a variety of applications. The new Monomuls, Lamemul, Kirnol, and Nutrisoft kosher types contain monoglyceride levels between 45 and 90 percent, iodine values between 20 and 75, and come in a range of product forms, from viscous pastes to self-emulsifying powders.

The monoglycerides have been certified as kosher by renowned Circle K organizations and are produced under strict supervision. Kosher certification is also seen as a sign of quality by many consumers who are not religiously motivated. Kosher-certified products which do not contain meat or dairy are also popular with vegetarians and lactose intolerance sufferers respectively. All the above mentioned products are halal-certified, as well. Comments Andreas Funke, Product Group Manager Food Ingredients, Cognis GmbH Illertissen: “By expanding our extensive portfolio of kosher products, we are helping our customers around the world to fulfill increasingly specific consumer demands.”

Overview: kosher emulsifiers

The kosher monoglycerides from Cognis come in a wide variety of product forms and with different properties to suit a large number of different applications

About Cognis
Cognis is a worldwide supplier of innovative specialty chemicals and nutritional ingredients, with a particular focus on the areas of wellness and sustainability. The company employs about 8,000 people, and it operates production sites and service centers in 30 countries. Cognis has dedicated its activities to a high level of sustainability and delivers natural source raw materials and ingredients for food, nutrition and healthcare markets, and the cosmetics, detergents and cleaners industries. Another main focus is on products for a number of other industries, such as coatings and inks, lubricants, textiles, as well as agriculture and mining. The subsidiary Pulcra Chemicals offers specialized chemical products and process expertise to customers in the fiber, textile, and leather industries. Cognis also holds a 50-percent stake in the joint venture Cognis Oleochemicals, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of oleochemicals.

Cognis is owned by private equity funds advised by Permira, GS Capital Partners, and SV Life Sciences. In 2006, Cognis recorded sales of 3.37 billion euros and an Adjusted EBITDA (operating result) of 394 million euros.

Contact
Marion Schlude, Technical Marketing Manager Food Ingredients
Cognis GmbH
Phone: +49-7303-13 324
E-mail: marion.schlude@cognis.com
Internet: www.cognis.com

Viola Stahl, Communications Manager
Cognis GmbH
Phone: 49-2173-4995-221
Email: viola.stahl@cognis.com
Internet: www.cognis.com