Alvinesa Natural Ingredients has successfully acquired Genosa. This acquisition marks a significant milestone in Alvinesa’s growth strategy and strengthens its position as a key player in the upcycled natural ingredients market.
Alvinesa Natural Ingredients is a “circular economy” leader of sustainable plant-based ingredients. Alvinesa upcycles and transforms agricultural coproducts from wine industry into valuable natural ingredients for the Food, Beverage, Animal Health and Nutraceutical industries. With a rich heritage and years of expertise, Alvinesa has established itself as a trusted provider of high-quality natural ingredients to customers worldwide.
Alvinesa’s portfolio of natural ingredients is the result of years of research and development, driven by its belief in harnessing the power of nature to deliver valuable ingredients. Among its esteemed offerings is the flagship brand, Vintera™, which focuses on grape extract rich in polyphenols. The Vintera™ brand has gained recognition for its exceptional quality, food protection capabilities and the numerous health benefits associated with its polyphenol content. In addition, its portfolio includes natural colour, grape seed oil, natural flavour (wine concentrate) and natural tartaric acid.
Genosa stands as a global leader and trailblazing company in the production and commercialisation of upcycled natural hydroxytyrosol (Hytolive®) derived from olive fruit. Since its establishment in 2001, the company has made substantial investments in human expertise and financial resources, prioritizing the production of premium natural extracts and delivering added value to its valued customers.
A true pioneer, Genosa was the first to introduce high-purity natural hydroxytyrosol extracts derived from olive fruit. Their patented international process utilises only physical and mechanical methods, ensuring the utmost quality and environmental responsibility by abstaining from the use of solvents in the extraction of hydroxytyrosol.
This acquisition presents a unique opportunity for Alvinesa Natural Ingredients to further expand its ingredient range and leverage the synergies between both companies to drive innovation and customer value.
As part of the integration process, Alvinesa will be exploring ways to leverage Genosa’s expertise and technologies to enhance its existing product range.
Bevolution Group, one of most diverse and innovative beverage manufacturers in the US, announced the launch of Dr. Smoothie’s Watermelon Kiwi Refreshers. This is the latest flavour of its widely successful Refreshers line of beverages to help consumers refresh and recharge with a hint of green coffee extract.
Dr. Smoothie Refreshers are crafted from real fruit juice and green coffee extract, which is a natural energy boost that consumers will love any time of the day. These fresh-tasting beverages offer more than just simple refreshment.
The new Watermelon Kiwi Refreshers joins a growing portfolio of Dr. Smoothie Refreshers that include Strawberry Acai; Watermelon Cucumber Mint; Wildberry Hibiscus; Peach Mango; Blood Orange Coconut Ginger; and Dragon Fruit Lychee.
These lightly caffeinated beverages are perfect for smoothie shops, cafes, bars or any foodservice establishment that caters to consumers seeking a unique, premium option for their beverage menu that delivers a blast of refreshment with a great taste.
Just like the other Refreshers beverages, the new Dr. Smoothie Watermelon Kiwi Refreshers is just pure goodness: no artificial colours or preservatives, no HFCS, sweetened with cane sugar and stevia, shelf-stable, made with real fruit juice and natural flavours, gluten-free, lactose-free, vegan and blended in the US.
Dr. Smoothie Refreshers Watermelon Kiwi are available in 46 Fl oz, shelf-stable bottles and are sold to foodservice distributors or direct in the US.
GNT gains regulatory approval for spirulina extract
GNT has secured U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for the use of spirulina extract in beverages, enabling manufacturers to achieve vibrant blue shades while maintaining clean labels.
GNT, which supplies plant-based EXBERRY® colour concentrates, has developed a patented formulation technology that allows spirulina extract to remain temperature- and acid-stabilised in beverages.
The EXBERRY® Blue Beverage Solution is suitable for use in a wide range of applications including sports, energy, and carbonated drinks, juice drinks, enhanced waters, and alcoholic beverages below 20 % ABV.
The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) had previously only permitted the use of spirulina extract as a natural blue colouring ingredient in certain food products and powdered beverages. However, GNT has now successfully petitioned the FDA to amend the regulation to cover all non-alcoholic beverages as well as alcoholic beverages below 20 % ABV. The update came into effect on December 13, 2022.
This means the EXBERRY® Blue Beverage Solution can be used as a clean-label replacement for Blue 1 in the vast majority of drink applications. It delivers a bright turquoise blue shade in acidified beverages with a pH range between 2.6 to 3.4 and can be combined with other EXBERRY® concentrates to deliver hues including navy blue, violet, and green.
Consumer interest in spirulina has increased exponentially over the past decade in step with the FDA’s approval of natural blue colors derived from spirulina extract for products including yogurt, ice cream, and confectionery.
Euromed’s natural ingredient Pomanox® shows potential to help reduce food intake
According to a recently published clinical study by the department of Dietetics, Nutrition and Biological Sciences, those supplementing with Euromed’s natural extract Pomanox® showed significantly lower levels of hunger and a desire to eat, as well as higher levels of satiety, compared to a placebo group.
In the preliminary, independent, placebo-controlled study conducted at Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh1, twenty-eight healthy subjects were given either three-week supplementation with Pomanox® or a placebo. During week three, satiety parameters were determined on a testing day after participants ingested breakfast and lunch with pomegranate juice (PJ). The results suggest that subjects in the Pomanox® group with the PJ preload were generally more satisfied than those given the placebo. Participants were also less hungry after Pomanox® intake with PJ during the meal than those who consumed placebo juice and capsules. Scores from the visual analogue scales (VAS), which record subjective sensations, showed significantly lower levels of hunger and a desire to eat, as well as higher levels of fullness and satisfaction, thus greater levels of satiety in participants consuming Pomanox® with PJ, compared to the placebo. These participants also liked the smell of the meal significantly more than the placebo group. Interestingly, the consumption of pomegranate extract was associated with a significantly lower amount of food intake during the satiety session compared with the placebo group.
While preliminary, these findings confirm the appetite-regulating effect of polyphenol-rich extracts reported in previous studies, suggesting possible novel new approaches to reducing risk factors for obesity and compulsive eating, and providing more enjoyable meals while dieting.
Andrea Zangara, Scientific Marketing Manager at Euromed, says: “We are very pleased to see these promising results, as they further support the efficacy and safety of Pomanox®, expanding its numerous evidence-based health applications to include weight management and behavioural support. Pomanox® is available in different formats and strengths, and extracted using safe and eco-friendly, water-only technologies (Pure-Hydro Process®) as with all the other ingredients in our line of Mediterranean Fruit and Vegetable Extracts™. Their production is vertically integrated as they originate from selected fruits grown in the Mediterranean region – close to our dedicated manufacturing plant and in accordance with strict and transparent quality control protocols. In summary, they are ideal for inclusion in premium dietary supplements, functional foods and pharmaceuticals.”
Euromed, S.A., a leading producer of standardised herbal extracts, announced the appointment of industry veteran Chris Tower to the position of General Manager of its key subsidiary Euromed USA Inc. Chris will replace current General Manager Guy Woodman, who will be retiring later this year. He is a highly experienced, senior level executive with an extensive range of skills and more than 25 years of successful sales, business development and operations expertise in the U.S. and global botanical extract industry.
He has previously held key management positions with an array of leading botanical extract manufacturers, including serving as VP Sales and Marketing of Sensient Natural Extracts (formally Mazza Innovation), founding President and CEO of Layn USA Inc. (subsidiary of Layn Natural Ingredients Corp.) and VP Sales and Business Development for leading Italian and German botanical extract manufacturers.
Kerry, one of the world’s leading taste and nutrition companies, has announced it has completed the acquisition of U.S.-based Natreon, Inc., a leading supplier of branded Ayurvedic botanical ingredients.
Natreon supplies branded and scientifically studied and tested Ayurvedic extracts to the dietary supplement and functional food and beverage industries across the globe. The acquisition significantly expands Kerry’s leadership position and ProActive Health portfolio of science-backed branded ingredients, furthering the company’s technology growth. The branded ingredients in Natreon’s portfolio are protected by a wide range of U.S. and foreign patents and supported by a total of 52 clinical studies which support the efficacy of their health benefits. Natreon’s portfolio consists of the following:
- Sensoril® – Ashwagandha extract for cognitive health benefits including stress, anxiety, and sleep.
- PrimaVie® – Shilajit extract for sports nutrition and healthy aging.
- Capros® – Amla extract for cardiovascular support.
- Crominex® – Chromium complex for diabetes.
- Ayuflex® – Terminalia chebula extract for bone and joint health benefits.
- Ayuric® – Terminalia bellirica extract for uric acid health.
The ingredients will be integrated into Kerry’s ProActive Health portfolio and leveraged by Kerry’s broad customer base. The ingredients will be supported by Kerry’s global application and R&D network, including continued investment in the science and clinical evidence supporting the brands.
Kerry has been building a leading position in science-backed functional ingredients within its ProActive Health portfolio for the past several years, most recently with the acquisition of Spain-based company Biosearch Life in 2021.
EXTR:ACT, the European platform to improve and increase the recycling of beverage cartons and similar fibre-based multi-material packaging in Europe, is pleased to provide an update on the successful and innovative steps taken by different companies to recycle the non-fibre components of beverage cartons throughout Europe. As of today, the below projects allow roughly 50,000 tonnes of non-fibre components of beverage cartons to be recycled annually.
EXTR:ACT expects ongoing activities in recycling to separate the valuable non-fibre components (so-called PolyAl rejects) from beverage cartons after having gone through the process of fibre extraction in the paper mill. The current European projects for PolyAl-recycling include:
- Ecoplasteam’s recycling plant in Italy
- ReconPolymers in the Netherlands
- Plastigram in the Czech Republic
- Palurec in Germany, which is operated by the beverage carton manufacturers.
“With these projects, roughly 30 % of the European volume of these PolyAl rejects will now start being recycled in new material cycles, where, for example, the recovered plastics and aluminum can be used in different applications as a substitute for virgin material,” said Michael Brandl, Managing Director of EXTR:ACT. “Further expansion of these processing options is expected for the near future, underscoring the investment and innovative solutions being explored to ensure that the beverage cartons placed on the EU market remain the most sustainable packaging solution as outlined in the industry’s 2030 Roadmap.”
The recycled plastic components can be used in products such as plastic pipes, boxes or panels, while the aluminum will be compounded and used in products such as motorblocks, metallic varnish, and other materials.
The Roadmap, launched by EXTR:ACT’s industry partner ACE (The Alliance for Beverage Cartons and theEnvironment), highlights the industry’s commitment to having 90 % of all beverage cartons collected for recycling, and to have at least 70 % of all beverage cartons recycled by 2030. The Roadmap also outlines the industry’s commitments and targets for delivering the most sustainable packaging for resilient food supply systems which is renewable, climate positive and circular. The continuous expansion of recycling capacities will further strengthen the positive contribution of beverage cartons to the environment.
ABOUT EXTR:ACT
Founded in 2018, EXTR:ACT is the European platform dedicated to increase the recycling of beverage cartons and similar fibre-based multi-material packaging. Focused on the technical process of such multi-material recycling from start to finish, EXTR:ACT works with the entire value chain to ensure that multi- material packaging is designed with the life cycle in mind and is able to be collected, sorted, recycled and reused in varying markets.
IPRONA, one of the world’s B2B market leaders for fruit processing, has introduced the first standardised and solvent-free tart cherry extract, CherryCraft®. The proprietary extract combines the proven properties of tart cherry with the expertise and infrastructure behind successful European black elderberry extract ElderCraft®.
Tart cherry has emerged as an important fruit in the sport recovery sector on the strength of studies linking it to effects on antioxidative capacity, inflammation and lipid peroxidation that influence how long it takes muscles to recalibrate after strenuous exercise. Other studies have linked the fruit to effects on sport performance, sleep and cardiovascular health. The growing body of evidence has alerted consumers to the role tart cherry can play in their exercise regimes.
Manufacturers that want to serve the growing market need tart cherry extracts standardized on polyphenols and anthocyanins, the fruit’s functional ingredients. Having gained deep expertise in polyphenols and anthocyanins from its work on ElderCraft®, IPRONA identified tart cherry as the ideal fruit for the expansion of its product line.
“Tart cherry is a highly promising ingredient in the sport recovery space,” said Stephan Breitenberger, CEO of IPRONA, “We are realising that promise by using our solvent-free production method and vertically integrated European supply chain to deliver an extract standardized to polyphenols and anthocyanins. We look forward to working with our partners to bring the benefits of tart cherry to more consumers through CherryCraft®.”
The product is made using the same gentle, solvent-free proprietary IPT – IPRONA Polyphenol Technology as ElderCraft® to make a standardised, premium-quality extract from European tart cherries without harming the fruit matrix. IPRONA sources the tart cherries used in CherryCraft® through its vertically integrated European supply chain, resulting in total traceability.
CherryCraft® is standardized to polyphenols and anthocyanins, giving manufacturers and consumers confidence in its properties, and is suitable for use in maltodextrin-free formulations, as IPRONA is also offering the extract with gum arabic as a carrier. The diversity of options equips manufacturers to use CherryCraft® in a range of formulations, helping them fully realise the potential of tart cherry.
About IPRONA
IPRONA is one of the world’s B2B market leaders for fruit processing. With nearly 40 years of experience serving a dynamic, international clientele, IPRONA is the peerless supplier of fruit-specific ingredients such as berry, citrus and tropical fruit concentrates, infusions from herbs and seeds, standardised red berry extracts, and customer-specific compounds.
EXTR:ACT – Driving Value for multimaterial recycling, the pan-European platform created by BillerudKorsnäs, Elopak, SIG Combibloc, Stora Enso and Tetra Pak, all members of the Alliance for Beverage Cartons and the Environment (ACE), has announced the nomination of EXTR:ACT’s Managing Director, Michael Brandl.
Michael Brandl, a German national with a background in engineering, built his career in the dairy industry before joining FKN, the German beverage carton association in 2010. Michael intends to use his considerable knowledge of both the beverage carton industry and of German and European recycling infrastructures to meet the platform’s objectives.
“We strongly believe that Michael’s experience and expertise will drive EXTR:ACT increase the recycling of our packages, scale and boost value for recycling solutions, and secure our long-term sustainability” said Heike Schiffler, President of EXTR:ACT. “With this new initiative, we are confident we will be able to achieve a significant increase in collection and recycling rates by 2025 “.
EXTR:ACT, based in Frankfurt, will foster the recycling of beverage cartons, including the non-paper components such as polymers and aluminium. It reflects the industry’s commitment to the circular economy and complements ACE’s ongoing work. EXTR:ACT will also seek to work in partnership with stakeholders who have similar needs regarding the recycling of composite packaging.
About ACE:
ACE provides a European platform for beverage carton manufacturers and their paperboard suppliers to benchmark and profile cartons as renewable, recyclable and low carbon packaging solutions. Engaging with stakeholders and partners seeking high environmental stewardship, it contributes expertise to EU policy, legislation and standard‐setting.
ACE members include beverage carton producers Tetra Pak, SIG Combibloc and Elopak; they develop, manufacture and market systems for the packaging and distribution of food, and produce packaging material at 20 plants in Europe. Most of the paperboard used by ACE members in beverage cartons in Europe is produced by Stora Enso in Skoghall (Sweden) and Imatra (Finland), and BillerudKorsnäs in Gävle and Frövi (Sweden), who are also members of ACE.
Archer Daniels Midland Company (NYSE: ADM), one of the leading suppliers for ingredients, has now added new colors to its product range: firstly, micronized color powders made from coloring foodstuffs; secondly, paprika extract for particularly vibrant shades of orange.
The new micronized color powders from ADM are made up of particles that are much smaller than conventional color pigments. This gives the powders a larger surface – in relative terms – and increases their opacity. As a result, they give foodstuffs a highly intensive and striking coloring.
ADM offers its customers micronized color powders for all common color shades. The new solutions complete the previous range from yellow to red, now also allowing additional colorings in green and blue. The raw materials that the ADM developers use are coloring foodstuffs such as safflower, curcumin, red radish and spirulina. The products are available for instant beverages, chewing gum, powder mixtures, concentrates and confectionery. Despite the small particle size, the colors are by no means nanomaterials.
Paprika for bright orange – without any E numbers
The WILD Rainbow Range, ADM’s range of coloring foodstuffs and natural colors, has also been expanded and now includes paprika as a new coloring foodstuff that can be used for all food applications. It is suitable for all pH values and is heat-stable. In contrast to orange carrot, for example, paprika extract does not change its color and become more yellow when heated, but rather retains its original orange.
Paprika can be used to give a bright orange color to various products, including confectionery, snacks, ice cream, baked goods, breakfast cereals and chewing gum. It is actually an original color rather than the result of mixing two separate colors (red and yellow). Both the micronized color powder and paprika extract can be declared as ingredients with no E numbers, which means that they are suitable for clean label products.
