Beta Pura GmbH, a joint venture between sugar producer Amalgamated Sugar Company and European fruit, starch, and sugar group AGRANA, recently started operations at its new $43 million crystalline betaine production facility in Tulln, Austria.

“Amalgamated Sugar is pleased to announce, together with our joint partner, AGRANA, that the Beta Pura facility is now operational,” said Amalgamated Sugar President and CEO John McCreedy in a company release Tuesday. “While the COVID-19 pandemic caused some delays and challenges, we were able to complete the construction and begin commissioning of the plant in August. We are excited to offer customers in the global feed and personal care segments a new source of high-quality crystalline betaine.”

The Tulln site, which has a capacity of 8.400 mt/yr, is the third manufacturing facility for crystalline betaine opened by Beta Pura.

Produced from sugarbeet molasses, betaine is used in food supplements, animal feed, cosmetics and other applications. The product can help the liver to process fats and biologically degrades the amino acid homocysteine, as well as support muscle development.

Amalgamated Sugar is the second biggest sugarbeet processor in the US.