Majority of Künzel Maschinenbau GmbH shares acquired
Ziemann Holvrieka has expanded its capabilities for providing complete brewery solutions with the acquisition of Künzel Maschinenbau in Mainleus, Germany. Künzel is a leading manufacturer particularly known for its expertise in malt handling and grist mills, which are crucial components for breweries. Künzel has been a major player in the raw material handling sector since 1922.
This acquisition reflects Ziemann Holvrieka’s strong commitment to excellence in the brewery equipment industry. Künzel’s specialisation in the upstream phase of brewing process aligns perfectly with our existing product portfolio. It enables us to enhance our range of products and turnkey solutions. Furthermore, we will harness Künzel’s expertise within our group of companies, including Ziemann Holvrieka, to explore new opportunities for Künzel in other sectors.
The site in Mainleus will continue to operate as it always has, with the same management team, with the same dedication to all its customers and with their committed employees. Künzel will retain its company name, brands, and organisational culture.
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.
