CP Kelco

Why The Oresund Region?

"For a company seeking to move into food ingredients, eager to step into the growing market of food additives, having a look at investment opportunities in Denmark is natural. The country has a long tradition and in-depth knowledge about food production. With the acquisition of Copenhagen Pectin A/S in 1972, Hercules struck a good balance between productivity, creativity and technological insight. Thanks to our Danish staff’s dedication and high-level expertise, we have enjoyed a leading position for more than 15 years - a position that has been strengthened through the formation of CP Kelco.

George Littlecott
Senior Vice President, Commercial and Business
CP Kelco

CP Kelco

CP Kelco was founded in September 2000 as a result of the combination of the Hercules Food Gums Division and the Kelco Biopolymers Division of Monsanto Pharmacia. CP Kelco is 71.43% owned by Lehmann Brothers and 28.57% owned by Hercules Incorporated, a global manufacturer of chemical specialties. 

CP Kelco Denmark

Formerly called Copenhagen Pectin A/S, this Danish originally family-owned company was a jam manufacturer founded in the 1930s. Hercules Inc. bought the company in 1972 at a time when the US company had taken the decision to move into food ingredients (additives). The Danish facilities now serve as CP Kelco’s European headquarters, employing 450 people in Denmark and approximately 1,850 worldwide.

The plant in Denmark manufactures pectin and carrageenan and 98% of the production is exported to food processing industries all over the world. In the pectin market, CP Kelco enjoys a leading position, recording a 50% market share worldwide.

CP Kelco Denmark also functions as European center for R&D operations. In a field where technological innovation is a key criteria and the ability to meet customer needs is paramount, Denmark proved to be a favourable site for CP Kelco's development plans. Due to a long tradition in food production, Denmark could provide highly trained experts and modern facilities, enabling a strong and constant development process. Another significant activity undertaken by CP Kelco Denmark is to provide customers’ training sessions at its numerous laboratories where pilot plant production simulations are carried out.

Text: Invest in Denmark