A legacy of innovation and community on the Baltic Coast: from a small plant on the Baltic Sea to a site that is now recognised worldwide.
Creating exceptional processed cheese isn't just about meeting basic functional requirements – it's about delivering the perfect balance of texture, melt performance, and consumer appeal that makes every application memorable.
For three-quarters of a century, the people who work at our pectin plant in Großenbrode, Germany, have made sure that the manufacturing facility on Germany’s Baltic coast produces world leading pectin. From jams and yoghurts to supplements and cosmetics, pectin produced at our plant can be found in everyday products around the world.
Innovation at the core
Founded in 1950 with a bold vision to harness the power of plant-based ingredients, the Großenbrode plant quickly evolved from experimenting with sunflowers to pioneering pectin made from citrus peel
Großenbrode’s expertise is globally recognised, helping food manufacturers deliver products with the taste, texture, and mouthfeel consumers expect. What does pectin actually do? In a nutshell, pectin gels, thickens, stabilises, balances pH and protects protein. Did you have jam on your toast or a yoghurt for breakfast? Did you take a vitamin supplement? Did you put on some make-up or use a deodorant this morning? All these products can contain pectin.
Nick Hampton, CEO of Tate & Lyle, shares:
“Today, with the support of the Großenbrode site, Tate & Lyle is the world’s leading producer of pectin. The pectin from this plant is sustainably sourced and we are very proud of the way the plant looks to operate in a way that minimises its environmental footprint and works in partnership with the local, community.”
Sustainability in action
Sustainability is embedded in every aspect of the plant’s operations. The site sends zero waste to landfill, recycles biosolids to enrich local farmland, and generates biogas to produce electricity and steam. Solar panels further reduce our environmental footprint
Driven by People
Our people are behind every innovation in Großenbrode. Generations of employees - many following family footsteps - have built a culture of expertise, resilience, and pride. Their dedication is evident in every pectin batch produced and every continuous improvement idea generated.
A pillar of the community
The plant’s influence extends beyond its gates. Colleagues actively support local charities, animal rescue centres, and first responders. They participate in blood drives, fundraising initiatives, and encourage students to join our apprentice and internship programmes, making a real contribution to the local community. Our close relationship with the local volunteer fire department reflects our shared commitment to safety and community wellbeing.
A new chapter with Tate & Lyle
In November 2024, Tate & Lyle acquired CP Kelco, uniting two leaders in ingredient innovation. Großenbrode joined Tate & Lyle’s manufacturing network, which totals 25 plants globally
“Now, as part of Tate & Lyle, we’re proud to carry Großenbrode’s legacy forward and build on it for the future.” says Nick Hampton.
Looking ahead
Sönke Schweiger, Tate & Lyle Plant Director at Großenbrode shares:
“Today, we celebrate the remarkable journey of our plant, from a small facility on the Baltic Sea to a site that is now recognised worldwide. This transformation is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and innovation of our entire team.”
From a small plant on the Baltic coast to a global leader in pectin. Let’s celebrate all the people who have helped make the production of pectin in Großenbrode possible over the last 75 years. And let’s look forward to many more years of Transforming Lives through the Science of Food.