Locust beans (carobs)

CPC v2.1 Code: 01356

About locust beans (carobs)

cpc code 01356 covers the production and trade of locust beans, also known as carobs. Locust beans are the edible pods of the carob tree, a leguminous plant native to the Mediterranean region. This industry plays a significant role in the agricultural and food processing sectors, providing a versatile ingredient used in a wide range of products, from confectionery to animal feed.

Production process

The production of locust beans involves harvesting the mature pods from carob trees, typically between July and September. The pods are then dried, roasted, and processed to extract the edible pulp and seeds. The pulp can be milled into a powder, which is commonly used as a cocoa substitute or thickening agent, while the seeds are often used to produce locust bean gum, a valuable food additive.

Production inputs

The main inputs required for the locust bean industry include the carob trees themselves, which require a Mediterranean climate to thrive, as well as labor for harvesting and processing the pods. Machinery such as drying ovens, milling equipment, and packaging materials are also essential inputs for this industry.

Production outputs

The primary outputs of the locust bean industry are the processed pulp and seeds. The pulp is used in a variety of food products, including 15840 Cocoa, chocolate and sugar confectionery, 10890 Other food products n.e.c., and 10920 Prepared animal feeds. The locust bean gum extracted from the seeds is a widely used food additive, finding applications in 20530 Soap and detergents, cleaning and polishing preparations, 21100 Pharmaceutical preparations, and 20420 Paints, varnishes and similar coatings, printing ink and mastics.

Family tree for locust beans (carobs)

    graph LR
    A["<a href='/classifications/cpc/v2-1/0'>0: Agriculture, forestry and fishery products</a>"]
A --> B["<a href='/classifications/cpc/v2-1/01'>01: Products of agriculture, horticulture and market gardening</a>"]
B --> C["<a href='/classifications/cpc/v2-1/013'>013: Fruits and nuts</a>"]
C --> D["<a href='/classifications/cpc/v2-1/0135'>0135: Berries and other fruits</a>"]
D --> E["<a href='/classifications/cpc/v2-1/01356'>01356: Locust beans (carobs)</a>"]

    D --> F["<a href='/classifications/cpc/v2-1/01351'>01351: Currants and gooseberries</a>"]
D --> G["<a href='/classifications/cpc/v2-1/01352'>01352: Kiwi fruit</a>"]
D --> H["<a href='/classifications/cpc/v2-1/01353'>01353: Raspberries, blackberries, mulberries and loganberries</a>"]
D --> I["<a href='/classifications/cpc/v2-1/01354'>01354: Strawberries</a>"]
D --> J["<a href='/classifications/cpc/v2-1/01355'>01355: Other berries; fruits of the genus Vaccinium</a>"]
D --> K["<a href='/classifications/cpc/v2-1/01359'>01359: Other fruits, n.e.c.</a>"]

    

    %% Color coordination by level

    classDef level1 color:#000,fill:#a8f9ff,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px
    classDef level2 color:#000,fill:#e0a458,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef level3 color:#000,fill:#419d78,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef level4 color:#000,fill:#c04abc,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef level5 color:#000,fill:#f1c40f,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef level6 color:#000,fill:#f1c40f,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef highlight color:#000,fill:#fff,stroke:#000,stroke-width:5px



  %% Apply classes
  class A level1
class B level2
class C level3
class D level4
class E level5
class F level5
class G level5
class H level5
class I level5
class J level5
class K level5

  class E highlight

  %% class A level1
  %% class B,C level2
  %% class D,E,F,G,H,I level2
  %% class J,K,L,M,N,O,P level3
  %% class E highlight