Tate & Lyle completes expansion of glucose line in Slovakia

Slovakia, 11^th May 2010:

Tate & Lyle today announces that it has completed commissioning the major expansion to the glucose manufacturing lines at its corn wet mill in Slovakia’s Trnava region. The extension will increase the business in the region and will further reinforce the leading position of Tate & Lyle in Central and Eastern Europe.

The expansion will see the plant multiplying its total capacity in glucose syrups with the business looking to take advantage of increasing demand in a fast growing part of Europe. This development is part of the investment announced at Tate & Lyle’s preliminary results in May 2009 to expand the Slovakian plant in order to supply the increased EU isoglucose quota. Located in the corn belt of Europe, the Boleraz plant, part of Tate & Lyle’s Eaststarch joint venture, benefits from the area’s attractive agronomics as well as superior economies of scale.

“With the extension, we will gain processing flexibility which will enable us to develop even more varieties of glucose syrups and isoglucose blends in order to offer the tailored solutions our customers require.” said Beata Endre, Product Manager, Liquid Sweeteners.

Commenting, Valentin Stanimirov, Vice President Sales Liquid Sweeteners and Industrial Starches, said: “Despite the effects of the economic downturn, demand for glucose has stayed relatively stable over the last year. This, combined with the effects of the EU Sugar Regime reform and the fact that leading manufacturers have taken the decision to expand their Central and Eastern European operations, makes us confident that the newly expanded plant will be a great success.

“Importantly, the expansion will also allow the business to continue to expand its multi-functional portfolio of products for food and beverage customers, which is a key strategic focus for Tate & Lyle.”