AAK Brings Lab-Developed Fractionation Process to Commercial Production for Chocolate Fats

Swedish oils and fats group AAK will be utilizing its patented dry-fractionation technology in commercial production for the first time at the NURA Speciality Oils & Fats plant in Malaysia. This technology will be used to produce palm-mid fractions (PMFs), a key ingredient in the cocoa butter equivalents (CBEs) supplied by AAK to chocolate and confectionery manufacturers. Dry fractionation, which does not use solvents, allows for controlled cooling and filtration to separate oil into fractions, reducing initial capital investment and operating costs while meeting quality standards for specialty fats.

The joint venture between AAK and KLK aims to provide AAK with direct access to the specialty palm fractions needed for their Chocolate & Confectionery Fats business. This move towards commercial production is seen as an important milestone for AAK and demonstrates their commitment to innovation and sustainability in production processes. AAK's Strategy & Projects Director, Alexander Perlaky, believes that this technology can be applied beyond confectionery, enhancing AAK's position as a market leader in the CBE space and opening up opportunities for growth in other business areas using AAK's fractionation capabilities.