Is Pectin Made in the U.S.? The Untold Story of Domestic Pectin Production

It’s one of the most common questions we hear at Pacific Pectin:

“Do you manufacture your pectin here in the U.S.?”

The answer surprises most people:
No company does – and no one has since 1986.

Here’s why U.S. pectin production came to a halt, what “domestic supplier” really means today, and how Pacific Pectin stepped in to keep American manufacturers moving forward.

The End of U.S. Pectin Production

For decades, pectin was extracted and manufactured in the United States. The last remaining commercial facility, in Hollywood, California, played a critical role in supplying pectin for jams, jellies, and confections nationwide. But in 1986, that chapter came to an end. Overnight, the U.S. had zero commercial pectin production – a reality that remains true today.

Pacific Pectin: Born From Industry Change

At the time of the shutdown, Fred DeVito was Technical Services Manager for the Hollywood facility. He saw a need that others didn’t. Many smaller customers relied on the Hollywood plant for a Sure-Jel equal and now had nowhere to turn. So he started blending small quantities of pectin from a modest office in Thousand Oaks, CA.

He’d drive to Los Angeles to pick up half-pallets of raw pectin. Fred’s wife, Joyce, and their son, Mike,  would blend them by hand in 35-gallon drums, while Fred handled technical support and business operations.

Through word of mouth, Pacific Pectin began to grow. In 1988, the company moved to Oakhurst, CA, and in 2001, built a dedicated facility to expand production, improve quality control, and keep up with demand.

What Does “Domestic Supplier” Mean Today?

Since 1986, there have been no pectin extraction plants operating in the United States. Today, all raw pectin materials, whether derived from citrus peels or apple pomace, are imported from regions like South America, Europe, and Asia.

But once that raw pectin arrives on U.S. soil, there’s still an important difference in how it’s handled. As a U.S.-based company, Pacific Pectin processes and blends these raw materials at our California facility, transforming them into ready-to-use pectin blends tailored for American food production.

In short, being a domestic supplier today is about more than where pectin originates—it’s about how and where it’s prepared to meet the needs of U.S. manufacturers.

Why Domestic Processing Still Matters

While U.S. pectin extraction may not exist anymore, we can bring the advantages of processing and blending it domestically:

• Shorter lead times – Avoid transcontinental freight and customs delays.
• Lower shipping risks – Reduce exposure to port congestion and international transit disruptions.
• Responsive technical support – Work with a team that understands U.S. regulatory and labeling standards.
• Custom formulations – Get blends tailored to your product needs instead of off-the-shelf imports.

Think of Pacific Pectin as a strategic buffer in your supply chain—one that keeps you agile even in volatile markets.

A Legacy of Support and Innovation

For nearly 40 years, Pacific Pectin has partnered with American food manufacturers to simplify pectin supply and solve formulation challenges.

Whether you’re shifting from gelatin to pectin, optimizing set time, or troubleshooting gummy and jam performance, our technical team is here to help. We don’t just sell pectin—we collaborate, innovate, and keep your production moving.

The Bottom Line

No pectin extraction plants have operated in the U.S. since 1986. But with a domestic processor like Pacific Pectin, you can still enjoy faster lead times, dependable supply, and hands-on support—all from a company built to serve American manufacturers.

Ready to strengthen your supply chain and refine your formulations? Contact us or request a sample today.