LBG Sicilia

The recent appointment of Hawkins Watts Limited as New Zealand agents for LBG Sicilia adds further strength to our hydrocolloids portfolio.

Locust Bean Gum is an important hydrocolloid and is widely used in products such as fruit preparation and dairy products, especially Ice Cream and Cream Cheese

LBG Sicilia is a family owned business based in the Carob tree region in South East Italy. This region offers exceptional quality carob seeds and stable supply. Using a unique heat treatment, the seeds undergo a series of grinding and electronic sorting steps to produce the final product. As a result, LBG Sicilia are able to offer a range of Locust Bean Gums with consistent particle size, low residual husk (often visible to the naked eye as small brown specs), and exceptionally low microbial levels.

Unlike other Carob processors, LBG Sicilia does not use harsh inorganic acids, such as Sulphuric acid, which eliminates any requirements for neutralisation and associated waste treatment.

The LBG Sicilia operation is ISO9000 and ISO22000 (HACCP) compliant, and was recently audited by Hawkins Watts Ltd.

For more information on the full range of locust bean gum products please contact Stuart Jones at stuart@hawkinswatts.com

Our Cutest Customers

In the Colombian rainforests in South America, Cotton Top Tamarins eat acacia gum straight from the tree; it is an essential part of their natural diet. At Auckland Zoo, they get a special mix of nuts, fruit and grains held together by Hawkins Watts supplied “Fibregum B” to help maintain their health and energy (and cuteness!).

Keeper Emma Wells spent many hours perfecting the recipe, and her little charges seem to appreciate the tasty cake that she has developed.

Our thanks to Emma and the Auckland Zoo for this beautiful photo of a Cotton-top Tamarin.

Congratulations Caine and Marcia!

Our congratulations go out to Caine and Marcia Mangakahia from all of us at Hawkins Watts on the birth of their daughter, Isabella in November. Well done Caine!
Caine is part of our Logistics Team and is our Health and Safety Officer.

Antifoams

With increased focus on food safety, attention is being paid to minor ingredients and processing aids such as antifoams. Our search for a supplier of antifoams yielded several potential companies, but only one antifoam manufacturer that offers a complete solution from a dedicated food-only facility.

Emerald Performance Chemicals, based in Cheyenne, Wyoming has been HACCP certified since 2004 and has received an AIB “Superior” audit rating for the last 3 years. This HACCP accreditation meshes well with the Hawkins Watts Quality systems. Emerald offer an extensive range of Antifoam choices, including silicon based, non-silicon based and organic certified products for many applications. Emerald’s product range is backed up with excellent technical and regulatory expertise.

For more information please contact Stuart Jones at stuart@hawkinswatts.com