American agribusiness Cargillrevealed plans Thursday to construct a new, $150 million production plant in Brazil for HM pectin, a food product texturizer made from citrus fruit. 

“Adding an industry-leading pectin asset in Brazil will compliment Cargill’s existing European network and create the capacity to serve our customers around the world with premium pectin ingredients,” Laerta Moraes, managing director of Cargill’s starches, sweeteners, and texturizers unit in South America, said in a company press release. “The intended investments also illustrate Cargill’s commitment to its employees and the economies in both Europe and Brazil through job growth and financial contributions.”

The company said its decision to invest in the new HM pectin facility stems from the wide availability of citrus fruit crops in Brazil. Additionally, Cargill intends to invest in upgrades at its three European pectin plants in Germany, France, and Italy.

“The pectin market has seen strong growth for several years, primarily driven by the acid dairy drink market, as well as growing consumer demand for label-friendly ingredients,” said Bruce McGoogan, strategy and innovation leader for Cargill’s starches, sweeteners, and texturizers business. “HM pectin plays a significant role in delivering on both trends at is a plant-based texturizer designed for acid dairy drinks as well as for jams, beverages, and confectionery products.”

Construction on the Brazilian plant is slated to begin early next year.

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