AH: We have been working in the lecithin industry for each more than 25 years. In early 2014, we both left our employment and founded AgroHorizon Lecithin & Solutions Ltd. From the beginning we focused exclusively on the production of lecithin specialities. We work for customers who have special requirements for the lecithin. There can be parameters such as viscosity, color, microbiological characteristics, contaminant content, transparency, special packaging, logistics concepts, etc.
We procure our crude lecithins from those oil millers whose characteristics best support the end use. Our focus is the application into the final product. We have the freedom to source our raw materials independently. We are focusing on selected applications of lecithin. And we benefit in particular from our decades of experience in using lecithin for instantizing food powders.
What are the new Agrolec LVL-5 BIO and Agrolec LVL-8 BIO products, and how do they differ?
AH: Standard organic lecithins are highly viscous. They are completely unsuitable for use for instantizing milk powders. But sprayable organic lecithins are necessary to wet the agglomerates with polar molecules to achieve an optimized dispersion in water. Those sprayable lecithins are now available as organic variants for the first time.
From January 1, 2022 in the EU these "small" raw materials (<5% in final formula) in organic food will also have to come from organic origin.
The two products LVL-5 BIO and LVL-8 BIO are different in their viscosity profile linked to the used spraying temperature. LVL-5 BIO can be easily sprayed almost at ambient temperature, LVL-8 BIO requires some warming-up.
What are the ingredients suitable for inclusion in?
AH: We recommend the two new products for the instantization of organic food powders, with a special focus on milk powders (WMP) and milk-based derivatives such as FFP, infant formula, whey protein and milk protein.
What are the advantages of the products?
AH: The two lecithin specialities are supplied in IBCs or drums, and they are ready to be used for direct application to the agglomerate. The content of phospholipids is standardized, the viscosity is low and uniform. The lecithin is precisely filtered, not clogging any spraying nozzle. Under specified storage conditions, the compounds are stable, not separating in the container. The lecithins are applied to food powders without any additional microbiological treatment. Therefore, the microbiological status is the key to produce safely. AgroHorizon specifies very safe and strict microbiological standards.
How do they differ from other products on the market?
AH: They are produced from organic raw materials, which are the first and only ones on the market.
Where are they available?
AH: We fully produce in Europe. The crude lecithin and the other ingredients are made in Europe from organic origin. All sites are audited and organically certified according to EU regulations. We can ship globally from Europe.