In the same week that ISP announced it would buy UK stabiliser firm Red Carnation Gum, this latest agreement will extend ISP's reach in the US stabiliser market through the distribution of Mingtai's range of cellulose ingredients.
"We are impressed with Mingtai's dedication to being a leader in providing high-quality, high-value ingredients," said Sunil Kumar, president and CEO of ISP.
Used in the food industry to stabilise suspensions and add creaminess to beverages, sauces and low fat dressings, demand for cellulose ingredients is being driven by fat replacement applications.
"This alliance gives us access to ISP's marketing and sales network, including nine regional technical centres, to gather information from customers about their needs and to promote our latest technology developments, " added H. W. Chen, chairman and president of Mingtai.
Mingtai Chemical, with a US arm based in New Jersey, claims to be the world's second-largest manufacturer of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), croscarmellose sodium and colloidal food grades. MCC is used as a fibre source, bulking agent and non-caloric fat replacer in the food industry.
Earlier this week ISP Food Specialities, the UK subsidiary of ISP, announced the bolt-on acquisition of 30 year old Red Carnation Gums (RCG) company, adding emulsifiers, stabilisers and gelling systems to ISP's portfolio.