Ingredients supplier Ingredion has teamed up with Lyckeby, the Swedish manufacturer of potato-based starch and fibre products.

The collaboration, which begins formally next month, will open up new possibilities in food applications, including batters and breadings for producers across Europe and the UK, the Middle East and Africa and Asia-Pacific, Ingredion said.

The speciality potato starch range - commonly used in bakery fillings to provide texture - will continue to be sold under the existing Lyckeby brand name as part of the deal.

However, the partnership will also help Ingredion to offer food manufacturers extended ingredient functionality, including improved crispiness in low-moisture systems, said the firm.

“This is a great opportunity for us to expand our portfolio with a complementary range of speciality ingredients,” said Jorgen Kokke, Ingredion president for APAC & EMEA.

“There are clear synergies between the two companies, from our combined technical expertise to our shared commitment to providing consistent, high-quality ingredients. We now have a full portfolio of modified starches and flours, which we can draw upon to advise customers on the best ingredient solution for their application and functionality requirements.”

Founded in 1927, Lyckeby is owned by around 600 potato-growing farmers across southern Sweden. The company manages and operates the supply chain from seed cultivation to production of food ingredients.

“We are delighted to be working with Ingredion, enabling us to expand our reach into key territories and food applications,” said Hans Berggren, CEO of Lyckeby.

“By combining our individual business and technical strengths, we will bring more value to food manufacturers as well as our farmers. One way we will achieve this is by exploring new functionalities for our product portfolio.”