Cosucra: Leading the Plant-Based Revolution with Expanded Capacity and Sustainable Practices

Deep rooted history

‘From seed to food’ is the motto at Cosucra and is something it truly believes in. Partnerships with more than 400 food manufacturers and more than 1000 product references worldwide demonstrate that Cosucra works alongside clients from idea to launch

With a rich history that can be traced all the way back to 1852 in Belgium, Cosucra is a family owned business led today by Jacques Crahay (CEO) who is the fifth generation of the family. It began business by extracting the sugar from locally grown beets, something that would evolve in the coming centuries. Having this pedigree that can be followed back centuries is core to the ethos of the company – one of traditional values that are combined with modern methods. Despite an expanding market across the world, it never yields quality, integrity, or values in order to achieve this. It is a well-established Belgian chicory and pea processor, and has continued to find new ways to improve its high pea protein Pisane, which provides high levels of nutrition and functionality to its customers. This alternative is free from common allergens, non-dairy, and supports bone health, as well as cutting out many of the sugars and fats that can be found in other high protein foods. Cosucra also produces Inulin Fibruline, which is a chicory root soluble dietary fiber, and is globally recognised fiber that has wide reaching nutritional benefits.

The lists of useful applications of the pea are remarkable, and appear to almost be endless. Cosucra itself is not a small figure in this sector, but rather a leading character. Already having pioneered products such as pea protein Pisane, pea fibers Swelite, Exafine, and pea starch Nastar, it is one of the most experienced companies in the market, and when discussing this with Michel Deweal, commercial director, it was something he expanded on: “Pisane has very strong demand, and we have been able to produce this for more than 25 years. We started in the 90s, and we were one of the first ones in the market. We have built upon this by a continued effort to improve our products. There is a long history, with extensive experience in processing peas and chicory roots, and the subsequent adaptations of these products.”

Expanding capacity

One of the biggest hurdles the company has to jump over is that of meeting a higher level of demand, as with good product comes increased reputation, which inherently brings greater consumer numbers. Michel elaborated on this situation: “Our products are premium with a lot of applications. We have already greatly increased our capacity, however with the market continuing to grow we have more plans to continue expanding capacity to ensure that we can meet demand.” For most companies this is a considerably more advantageous problem to have. It can still be a concern, but it also offers a lucrative opportunity, which Michel said the company is intending to take advantage of: “There is a reason why our brand is of premium reputation. And so we have decided to be the first to announce massive increases in capacity, because the market is really demanding these.” Cosucra is ahead of the competition by having already seen expansion, and Michel presented the intention to increase further: “The future plan is to continue increasing our capacity, as we have already made investments in modern systems, as well as modern abilities.”

Clean label

Cosucra is also managing to achieve this success and expansion while maintaining an environmental consciousness at the heart of the company. Crops are grown by local farmers, which Michel cited as having another positive: “Our products are useful for those wanting to have a no GMO diet, and all the things our company puts on the market are clean label products.” Cosucra is determined to respect the natural resources, help mitigate any impact on the environment, and to ensure a sustainable process from start to finish. There are many more ways in which it tries to act environmentally, the use of green energy as much as possible is one, energy effectiveness is another, and managing water use. Sustainability takes another form as well, as Cosucra works long– term with its farmers, ensuring that there is a positive and fair relationship, where there is a dialogue between the two parties.

The overwhelming principles of the company are clear, it believes in the products it makes, and these provide a healthier and more wholesome alternative for people. There is a pride in what is being done at Cosucra, and the product offers dietary and nutrition solutions to needs and preferences of growing sections of society. Whether it is for weight loss, low salt, or low fat, there is a multitude of applications in which Cosucra products can help. There is another benefit of the company, which is that with the market growing it provides a higher quality and more reliable product than its competitors, something Michel was keen to emphasize: “On the market today you can probably find other companies producing this, but of a lower quality. As there are more and more companies in Europe and US that want a large supply of this product, they don’t want to rely on Chinese producers, as they can be concerned about quality issues or safety risks.”

Dietary solutions

With people across the world, particularly within Europe and the US, becoming more environmentally conscious and seeking alternatives, it is no wonder that Cosucra can boast such success. With people every day moving towards a more varied diet, whether it is a wish to avoid meat, lessen the environmental impact, or due to specific dietary concerns, Cosucra offers the solution, and it comes from the humble yet beneficial and versatile pea. From such a proud history, there will no doubt be an even prouder future to come.