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Fiberstar, Inc., a leader in citrus fibre technologies, has announced the launch of Citri-Fi® Pro, an all-natural alternative to acacia gum (gum arabic). The launch is strategically timed to address escalating concerns within the global beverage industry regarding the stability and ethics of sourcing acacia gum from the conflict-ridden Sudan region.

For decades, acacia gum has been a critical emulsifier in beverage formulations. However, geopolitical instability and humanitarian crises in Sudan—the world's primary exporter—have forced manufacturers to seek reliable substitutes to secure their supply chains against disruption.

Addressing Regulatory and Ethical Pressures

The move comes as multinational corporations face tighter scrutiny regarding their upstream supply chains. John Haen, President and CEO of Fiberstar, Inc., highlighted the impact of pending regulations such as the proposed EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD).

"Directives such as the proposed EU CSDDD would mandate large companies to identify and mitigate human rights and environmental risks across their global operations and supply chains," Haen stated. "This, in the end, will affect their ability to source acacia gum from war zones in the future."

Technical Specifications and Cost Savings

Citri-Fi® Pro is engineered to replace up to 75% of acacia gum or modified food starch in beverage applications. Beyond risk mitigation, Fiberstar positions the ingredient as a cost-effective solution, offering significant "cost-in-use savings" compared to the increasingly volatile acacia market.

Key Product Attributes:

• Functionality: Creates stable emulsions comparable to traditional gums.

• Clean Labelling: Can be labelled as citrus fibre, dried citrus pulp, or citrus flour, resonating with natural beverage markets.

• Dietary Claims: Allergen-free and Gluten-free.

• Sourcing: Naturally derived and backed by a transparent, stable supply chain.

Market Context

This innovation provides beverage brands with a "reliable path" to maintain product quality while meeting clean-label and sustainability goals. By shifting to a citrus-based alternative, manufacturers can decouple their production from the geopolitical risks associated with the Sahel region, ensuring a consistent supply of emulsifying agents.