TIEL, THE NETHERLANDS — Kemira’s Food Segment will increase the prices of its calcium propionate and sodium propionate products by 7c per lb in the NAFTA area. The price increase will take effect May 15th, 2008 or as soon as contracts allow.

"These increases are necessitated by the continuing escalation of global energy costs, resulting in significant increases in the cost of key raw materials such as propionic acid, as well as higher transportation and energy costs", says Food Segment Manager Dominicus Brendler.

Kemira Specialty is the world‘s largest supplier of propionates. Kemira Specialty’s Food Segment offers the food industry a wide range of organic salts, blends, food emulsifiers and tailored specialty products for applications in bakery, preservation of meat, beverages and dairy products as well as flavor enhancement and acidity regulation in various foods. Kemira’s food additives are supplied to over 50 countries worldwide.