MycoTechnology, Inc., has announced that its new ClearHT^™ natural flavour has received Generally Recognised As Safe (GRAS) status from the Flavour and Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA) for use as a flavour with modifying properties (FMP) in multiple food and beverage categories.

Discovered from the honey truffle, a unique species of fungi with a rich history of use, ClearHT^™ natural flavour is the newest addition to MycoTechnology’s portfolio of innovative taste solutions. At low inclusion levels, it enhances flavours such as citrus and caramel, and offers new ways to modulate sweetness, helping to address continued consumer demand for better-tasting, healthier products. It will be available for use in markets that recognize FEMA GRAS determinations by early 2026.

“Achieving FEMA GRAS status affirms the safety of ClearHT^™ natural flavour and opens new opportunities in many regions,” says Sue Potter, Ph.D., Vice President, Global Regulatory Affairs at MycoTechnology. “This is a significant milestone in our efforts to expand the availability of our ingredient solutions to global markets.”

Jordi Ferre, MycoTechnology’s CEO, adds, “We are proud to introduce ClearHT^™ natural flavour, our latest innovation in MycoTechnology’s line of transformative ingredient solutions. Our team has continued to demonstrate exceptional progress in scale-up, safety validation, and applications development in preparation for commercial availability. This approval marks another important step in our mission to promote healthier, better-tasting food and beverages.”

Following a 2022 colour additive petition, USA’s FDA is altering its colour additive regulations to ban FD&C Red No. 3 in food and beverages as of January 2027 as well as in ingested drugs as of 2028. FD&C Red No. 3 is a petroleum-based synthetic food dye that provides foods and drinks with a vibrant, cherry-red colour. Although there is no connection between the dye and human illness, research has shown that high concentrations of the food dye has been linked to cancer in rats. And since FDA regulations forbid colour additives that cause cancer in humans or animals, the FDA had to revoke Red No.3’s prior approval.

The recent regulatory change now requires manufacturers to adjust their ingredient sourcing, particularly for colourants, prompting them to seek compliant formulations for distribution in the US. Döhler, a global leader in technology-driven natural ingredients, ingredient systems and integrated solutions for the food, beverage and life science & nutrition industries, derives their ingredients from natural raw materials, meaning their colours derived from natural sources comply with the new regulations. Moreover, due to their use of natural raw materials, Döhler’s entire product portfolio – such as natural flavours, health ingredients, plant-based solutions, ingredient systems and end-to-end solutions – is also fully compliant with FDA regulations.
To achieve iconic red shades, Döhler derives its natural colours from a variety of plant-based sources, including red beetroot, black carrot, red radish and purple sweet potato. As a result, these natural colours can be labelled as fruit and vegetable juice, allowing the final products to be marketed with a clean label. With 40 % of consumers in the States choosing products based on a “natural” label and 29 % buying products with a “clean ingredients” label, this is a valuable advantage for attracting customers.

Manufacturers in countries exporting products to the United States are also impacted, adding an international dimension to the industry’s response to the evolving stance on this food additive. This shift is also environmentally beneficial, as it encourages businesses to transition towards safer and more sustainable sourcing.

“Our mission is to develop and cultivate vegetable varieties with the highest possible colour pigmentation. By combining cutting-edge extraction technologies with innovative breeding, we maximise pigment output, reduce costs and enhance competitiveness.” Remarks Döhler’s Dr. Christian Christiansen, Research & Development Colours. “Additionally, exploring new pigment sources like algae and leveraging fermentation processes will redefine the natural colour market over the next decade. Driving forces are a deep understanding of genetics, rising water costs in traditional raw material regions and the need for weather-independent, sustainable supply chains. Ensuring state-of-the-art processing technologies to extract maximum pigment while minimising waste is equally crucial to achieving a sustainable and efficient approach.”

Döhler ensures reliable sourcing through its vertically integrated supply chain, offering customers a secure and consistent flow of ingredients for uninterrupted production. The company’s team in the US plays a key role in safeguarding the transition from synthetic additives to natural alternatives, while providing expert support to navigate regulatory requirements seamlessly. Finally, Döhler delivers optimised value for customers, offering solutions that balance quality and affordability, empowering the food and beverage industry to confidently embrace colours from natural sources.

• A recent study reveals that natural sugars found in fruit juice appear to support physical recovery after exercise
• Cloudy apple juice was found to recover the intestinal barrier function more quickly than other drinks – this helps to support recovery
• The body’s stress makers reduced more quickly in recovery after drinking fruit juice when compared with other beverages
• The study, led by Dr Patrick Diel, shines a light on the potential health benefits of fruit juice for fitness enthusiasts

Drinking fruit juice could help the body recover more quickly after intense physical activity such as long-distance running, according to a new study.

The peer-reviewed study, published in international journal, Nutrients, found that while added sugars can have a negative impact on the intestinal barrier after exercise, the naturally occurring sugars and polyphenols (plant compounds) found in fruit juice seem to support a more balanced recovery.

While it’s common to reach for a sugary sports drink during or after exercise, scientists have known for some time that added sugars can cause problems with the intestinal barrier – a critical part of our immune defence. A leaky intestinal barrier can lead to harmful bacteria crossing from the gut into the blood which stimulates inflammation. This, then, increases the risk of overtraining syndrome and metabolic conditions such as endotoxemia – where the body has a toxic reaction to bacteria.

The study, led by Dr Patrick Diel, was set up to find out whether fruit juices caused the same inflammatory effect as sugar-sweetened drinks.

The researchers looked at the gut health of runners before and after an ultramarathon. They compared the impact of drinking diluted cloudy apple juice with a test drink which mimicked a typical sugary sports drink. This contained identical amounts of sugar but not the polyphenols and other fruit complexes naturally found in juice.

The researchers found that, while both exercise and sugars can disrupt the intestinal barrier, the natural compounds found in fruit juice eased these effects*. Runners who drank the cloudy apple juice after the race recovered their intestinal barrier function more quickly than those who drank the sugar-sweetened test drink*.

Another part of the study on amateur runners found that drinking diluted cloudy apple juice after running influenced a protein called CD14 suggesting that the juice supported the body’s immune system. Furthermore, the study showed that runners who drank fruit juice reduced their stress markers more quickly compared with those who drank the sugar-sweetened test drink.

Dr Patrick Diel from German Sport University in Cologne, said: “The research comes at a timely moment for anyone inspired to get more active in the run up to the Olympic games, and these findings offer a fresh perspective how to best replenish our bodies. Simply diluting cloudy apple juice and drinking it after playing sports or exercising seems to be an easy and healthy option which supports both gut health and immune function”.

Award-winning dietitian, Dr Carrie Ruxton said: “To properly recover after exercise, our bodies need healthy carbohydrates. In light of these findings, I would encourage athletes, fitness enthusiasts and causal gym-goers to add a serving of around 150ml of cloudy apple juice to their sports bottle and top up with tap water for a low cost and effective sports drink. Not only will this mixture keep us hydrated, it also provides energy-giving natural sugars and polyphenols to promote optimal recovery.”

As with any dietary change, it is important to drink juice in moderation and as part of a balanced diet. However, these studies suggest that when it comes to supporting the body after an Olympic-inspired workout, cloudy apple juice is the perfect health hack.

*Valder, S. et al. Effect of Sugar- and Polyphenol-Rich, Diluted Cloudy Apple Juice on the Intestinal Barrier after Moderate Endurance Exercise and in Ultra-Marathon Runners. Nutrients 2024, 16, 1353. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16091353

Pangea Natural Foods Inc., announced the launch of its latest product, 100 % locally sourced blueberry juice. This refreshing and nutritious beverage is made with exceptional quality and has a remarkable 8-month shelf life.

The blueberry juice is cold-pressed, resulting in a richer and more nutritious product. In addition, Pangea Natural Foods has partnered with a renowned leader in the field of high-pressure processing (HPP). This process allows for the elimination of harmful pathogens without the need for heat or artificial preservatives. As a result, consumers can enjoy Pangea Natural Foods blueberry juice knowing that it maintains its nutritional integrity while remaining safe for consumption.

Looking forward, Pangea Natural Foods continues to prioritise innovation and sustainability, striving to develop products that nourish both individuals and the planet.

About Pangea Natural Foods Inc.
Pangea Natural Foods is a Vancouver (CAN) based natural foods company that manufactures and distributes high quality food products that are nutritious and free of GMO ingredients, fillers, antibiotics, hormones, and bioengineered ingredients. Pangea offers a broad range of great tasting, innovative food products that are sustainably sourced and “Powered by the Earth”.
Pangea’s signature products include the Pangea Plant-Based Patties, Pangea Old Fashioned Ghee, Pangea Energy Gel and the Pangea Munchie Mix, which are available on the Company’s website and in over 500 leading national retail food stores including Loblaws, Save-on-Foods, Sobeys, IGA Marketplace, Fresh Street Market, Choices Markets, Whole Foods and on select Air Canada and WestJet flights.
Pangea has partnered with world renowned food scientists to formulate its high-quality food products. All products are manufactured in-house at its state-of-the-art facility, and then packaged and distributed through Pangea’s retail and wholesale network and also on the website of the company.

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.

Rebellious Kids combines great taste with true function. No sugar, no calories, vitamins A, B12, C, D, E, Zinc, plus sea salt for natural electrolytes from the ocean.

Rebellious Beverage Company, the preeminent functional beverage company, launched its first ready-to-drink line of functional beverages, Rebellious Kids, in an 8-ounce bottle with sports cap, made with post-consumer recycled content. Rebellious Kids is an organic, plant-based plus minerals beverage, that delivers key nutritional support children need with no sugar. Rebellious Kids has 40 % of the daily value of vitamins B12, C, and D and 20 % of the daily value of vitamins A and E, plus zinc, and electrolytes.

“Our move into the healthy hydration space for children addresses an unmet need for parents who want refreshing drinks that they can feel good about serving their kids: no sugar, no calories, clean ingredients, that delivers key functional nutrition, and great taste,” said co-founder and CEO Doug DuMars. “We are re-invigorating a category that has basically been forgotten about. Rebellious Kids is a nutritional beverage solution with a holistic approach to foundational wellness supporting our next generation at home, at school, or during their activities.”

Rebellious Kids are available in 8oz bottles with 4 flavours kids love:

• Scrappy Strawberry
• Wild Wild Wildberry
• Outrageous Orange
• Wacky Watermelon

Rebellious Kids and Rebellious Infusions are intent on transforming the trend using a little monk fruit. Research from the CDC¹ confirms that children and teens are drinking too much sugar from their beverages, two-thirds drink at least one sugary beverage per day. Since added sugar contributes to weight gain, heart disease, cavities and more, Rebellious can play an important role in overall health.

Available across more than 385 Sprouts Farmers Market stores in 23 states. Sprouts is one of the largest and fastest growing specialty retailers of fresh, natural, and organic food in the United States.

¹https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db271.htm

About Rebellious Beverage Company:
Rebellious is a preeminent functional beverage company with nutritional beverages that have no sugar, no calories, no Crap! Segments include Rebellious Kids and Rebellious Infusions. The Infusion line consists of 10 flavours within pure function, pure performance, and caffeine free. Each portable packet has no more than 5 ingredients, contains L-theanine for brain health, and up to 200 mg of antioxidants for immune system support. Rebellious is the brainchild of former PepsiCo and Kraft Foods industry veteran, Doug DuMars, and his co-founder, Joe O’Connor. Sprouts is the first major push into traditional retail. Rebellious has consumers in all 50 states in the US, plus Australia, United Kingdom, Europe, Middle East, and India. Rebellious’ customers include professional sports teams, NCAA and high school athletic departments, and hotels.

Indena’s Quercefit^® is an innovative 100 % food-grade delivery system of quercetin based on Phytosome^® technology, which optimises quercetin bioavailability (up to 20 times and in the range of a diet rich in vegetables and fruits) with dose linearity. It has been proven to be an effective natural help to manage early stage conditions of COVID-19, in combination with standard care.

Although the emergency due to the pandemic is luckily decreasing at a global level, COVID-19 continues to be the focus for several scientific analysis. Quercetin Phytosome^® has been the object of several human studies in the last two years¹ – the most recent one issued in January 2023² – which demonstrated that this ingredient, in combination with standard care, when used in early stage of COVID-19, could aid in ameliorating the early conditions and helps keeping the immune system strong, mildening the symptoms and optimising the timing of molecular test conversion from positive to negative.

The most recent study involved a larger group of subjects (100 subjects consisting of 50 people in the quercetin group and 50 ones in the control group) completing the preliminary data anticipated and published in 2021.

Antonella Riva, Head of Product Innovation and Development & LCM of Indena S.p.A, commenting the study “Quercetin as a possible complementary agent for early-stage COVID-19: Concluding results of a randomised clinical trial” by Di Pierro et al., explains: “This randomised clinical trial investigated the possible adjuvant effect of an oral quercetin supplementation in mild to moderately symptomatic COVID-19 outpatients. The results revealed that subjects who received quercetin in addition to standard care, cleared the virus better (tested negative for SARS-CoV-2) and had milder symptoms as compared to the people who received the standard care alone. Moreover, participants in the quercetin group also showed statistically significant improvement in the serum levels of inflammatory biomarker LDH. Also the outcomes of our last study then – adds Riva – suggest possible quercetin supplementation effectiveness in the early-stage mild to moderately symptomatic COVID-19 outpatients and may help in optimising the clearance of the SARS-CoV-2 infection, mildening of the symptoms and modulation/control of the host’s inflammatory response. The study also supports the safety of quercetin supplementation in subjects with COVID-19 which has an unpredictable and complex course and hence may be potentially used as an adjuvant alongside routine care in the management of mild to moderate symptoms of COVID-19”.

“We keep devoting resources to clinical research with the aim to get stronger and stronger scientific evidences about Indena’s ingredients. We’re very happy and proud to see such results from our Quercefit^® and to give our contribution in helping people’s health which has had to face one of the most serious pandemics in recent years” adds Stefano Togni, Chief Commercial Officer of Indena S.p.A.

Quercetin, a flavonol not naturally present in the human body, is the most abundant polyphenol in fruits and vegetable and is widely used as a dietary supplement to boost the immune system and in general to promote a healthy condition. Quercetin is characterised by crucial pharmacological properties including, antioxidant and immune-protective effects, which allows it to be a potential candidate to support all unpleasant conditions.

¹Di Pierro et al., Possible Therapeutic Effects of Adjuvant Quercetin Supplementation Against Early-Stage COVID-19 Infection: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled, and Open-Label Study, International Journal of General Medicine 2021:14 2359–2366. https://www.dovepress.com/possible-therapeutic-effects-of-adjuvant-quercetin-supplementation-aga-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article- IJGM https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34135619/
Di Pierro et al., Potential Clinical Benefits of Quercetin in the Early Stage of COVID-19: Results of a Second, Pilot, Randomized, Controlled and Open-Label Clinical Trial, International Journal of General Medicine 2021:14 2807–2816. https://www.dovepress.com/potential-clinical-benefits-of-quercetin-in-the-early-stage-of-covid-1-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-IJGM Rondanelli et al., Promising Effects of 3-Month Period of Quercetin Phytosome^® Supplementation in the Prevention of Symptomatic COVID-19 Disease in Healthcare Workers: A Pilot Study 2022: 12 66 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35054459/
²Di Pierro et al., Quercetin as a possible complementary agent for early-stage COVID-19: Concluding results of a randomized clinical trial, Front. Pharmacol. 13:1096853. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1096853

Ideal for adaptogen supplement solutions and natural preservatives in food and beverages.

Conagen announced the commercialisation of its 99 % high-purity salidroside made by bioconversion technology, an active ingredient from the herbal plant Rhodiola rosea (golden root). Its strong antioxidant properties as an adaptogen are associated with reducing inflammation, protecting against oxidative stress in cells, and providing relief from depression, fatigue, and stress. Salidroside has also been used to alleviate high altitude sickness.

Unlike other salidroside products currently on the market, Conagen’s salidroside is non-GMO. Conagen leveraged its industry-leading bioconversion technology to produce clean, sustainable salidroside, identical to the compound naturally found in the Rhodiola rosea plant – the same technology used to produce non-GMO Rebaudioside M, other steviol glycosides, and bitter blockers for sugar reduction solutions which are available from their pipeline partner, Sweegen.

Conagen’s 99 % high-purity salidroside, made by bioconversion, is ideal for non-GMO supplement solutions to formulate products with a sustainable and natural consumer appeal. It is readily soluble in water and is very formulable in food and beverage applications.

“We’re reimagining the way in which rare ingredients are sourced to make them safer and higher-quality for use in health-promoting products,” said Casey Lippmeier, Ph.D., senior vice president of innovation at Conagen. “Our bioconversion technology enables us to deliver non-GMO products. Through this technology, we’re unlocking salidroside’s great potential as a powerful active health ingredient and as a tool for food and beverage producers to adopt a more natural way to preserve food and beverages.”

Food and beverage producers benefit from Conagen’s salidroside as it also possesses antimicrobial properties, making it useful as a natural preservative solution for brands seeking alternatives to artificial preservatives. Salidroside expands Conagen’s portfolio of natural preservatives, such as Taxifolin BC-DHQ^® and Rosavel^™ rosmarinic acid, currently available from another pipeline partner, Blue California.

Stress reduction is popular among consumers, typically addressed by exercise or indulgence in food and beverages. More consumers are taking a holistic approach to their health, including their mental well-being and sleep. They are exploring adaptogens as one of the additional positive ways to add an edge to their diets and lifestyles.

“Salidroside is one of the rare, natural molecules with proven adaptogenic activities which correlates to stress reduction,” said Lippmeier. “Initially identified in botanical extracts, adaptogens are promising new options in the quest to relieve the stress of our daily lives. This trend opens new opportunities for supplement brands and food and beverage manufacturers to adopt a health-focused profile for their products.”

Conagen accelerated salidroside production by leveraging one of its proprietary molecular platforms, which have also been used to produce the clean antioxidants hydroxytyrosol and p-coumaric acid. Salidroside is a glucoside of tyrosol. Conagen’s antimicrobial and antioxidant compounds, hydroxytyrosol and p-coumaric acid are also now available through Blue California.

The inputs of fermentation are tightly controlled, dramatically reducing the chance of contamination with heavy metals, fungal toxins, and other unsafe materials that may be found in traditional medicine preparations. Rhodiola rosea extract is most commonly used in Europe and Asia. Its medicinal use for reducing stress and depression can be traced back to the Ming Dynasty in the classic medicinal scripture Compendium of Materia Medica.

Symrise is presenting its broad range of diana food^TM blueberry ingredients and active compounds. Like other products from the portfolio of natural ingredients, it features various characteristics and performance benefits. They include competitiveness, various organoleptic properties, application-specific high-quality standards as for baby food, distinct certification like organic, and the option to claim health benefits.

Consumers around the world like blueberries for their indulgent properties and healthy image. These berries come with a delicious taste profile of fruity, sweet, and acidic notes. Also, they can contribute to maintaining health thanks to their content in antioxidants and phenolic compounds.

To always meet consumers’ expectations, Symrise leverages on its worldwide network of selection, sourcing, and processing facilities. For blueberry, the company responsibly sources three different species, from three distinct geographical regions, and processes the fresh fruits at locations close to the growing sources.

Symrise processes blueberry ingredients in France, Canada, and Chile. The production preserves the fruit’s inherent beneficial properties by using different technologies: concentration, to obtain juice concentrate; spray drying and roller drying technologies, to obtain various product formats (powders, flakes, and crunchies); and extraction, to concentrate the actives compounds.

Three blueberry species with distinct properties

1. Vaccinium myrtillus, also known as bilberry, grows in Eastern & Northern Europe. It has become popular for its distinctive blueberry taste and goes predominantly into sweet goods applications. Bilberry often goes into eye health products, thanks to its anthocyanins content.
2. Vaccinium angustifolium, wild blueberry (lowbush) is one of the oldest native berries in North America. It successfully grows in the harshest climatic conditions, which results in fruit with three times the phenolic compounds and twice the antioxidant power of blueberry (highbush). Wild blueberry (lowbush) stands out for varied health benefits. Findings from several clinical studies indicate that wild blueberry may provide benefits for delayed memory, mood, learning performance, and executive functions. With its range of wild blueberry (lowbush) extracts, highly concentrated in polyphenols, Symrise brings these health benefits into convenient formats for dietary supplement applications.
3. Vaccinium corymbosum is a blueberry cultivated in Latin America. Its intense dark purple color offers an interesting visual contrast and allows fruit recognition, particularly appreciated in food applications. They taste sweet and offer low acidity. As a cultivated crop, this species offers the most cost competitive solution of the three varieties.

Manufacturers can use the solutions from the three blueberry species in many applications, from RTD drinks and smoothies to breakfast cereals, bars, dessert toppings, baby and toddler snacks, sports nutrition products, and dietary supplements. With more than twenty distinct product references, Symrise offers solutions ranging from powders over flakes to crunchies.

Nagardo, a new natural preservative from LANXESS, is now approved for use in non-alcoholic beverages in the European Union as well. “EU approval allows us to continue expanding the global footprint of Nagardo. The preservative is already in use in the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, and Canada,” said Monika Ebener, Global Marketing Director for Natural Antimicrobials at LANXESS. “We’re going to be launching in other markets as well. We are now proud to present our natural guardian in our home market, too.”

EU approval is regarded as the gold standard due to its thorough evaluation process. “This registration means that European beverage producers can now make use of a long-awaited natural preservative that not only reliably and efficiently safeguards product quality but also enables manufacturers to transform their product ranges to suit the emerging trend of consumer awareness and demand for natural ingredients. The use of Nagardo can also help companies to achieve their sustainability targets, partly by reducing the amount of plastic needed for packaging and partly because switching from hot filling or tunnel pasteurization to cold filling with Nagardo cuts energy usage.

Nagardo is used in various beverage categories, which means that a wide-ranging market can depend on the protection offered by this natural preservative.

Nagardo is based on glycolipids obtained from edible mushrooms, which were discovered in a comprehensive screening process encompassing more than 100,000 natural substances. It transpired

that they offer the kind of effectiveness that can be found only in nature – all that is needed is a dosage as much as 50 times smaller than is the case with commonly used synthetic preservatives. It is currently the most effective natural preservative for non-alcoholic beverages on the market.

Nagardo will be launched officially in Europe for the first time at this year’s drinktec, a trade show that will be taking place in Munich from September 12 to 16.

Establishing global leadership position in natural colours

As part of its 2025 strategy to expand the portfolio of its global Taste & Wellbeing business, Givaudan announced that it has reached an agreement to acquire DDW, The Color House, a US based natural colour company. The acquisition will enable Givaudan to become a global leader in natural colours, enhancing its ability to create “Feel Good” Food Experiences through its extensive portfolio of taste and sense solutions.

Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, USA, DDW is a leading privately-held company in the natural colour industry, with 12 manufacturing facilities around the world and 315 associates. Founded in 1865, the company has developed a strong market position from its origins in the brewing industry through its market leading capabilities in caramel colours and for the last 20 years having a strong focus on natural colours for the food and beverage industry.

The terms of the deal have not been disclosed and Givaudan plans to debt fund the transaction. DDW’s business would have represented approximately USD 140 million of incremental sales to Givaudan’s results in 2020 on a proforma basis. The transaction is expected to close in Q4 2021.

Oterra^™ is pleased to announce that it has closed its acquisition of SECNA Natural Ingredients Group S.L.

This is the first acquisition for Oterra, which itself was purchased by private investment firm EQT in March 2021 when Chr. Hansen divested their natural colours business. Oterra, recently announced its intention to pursue a second acquisition, namely Diana Food’s colours business. 

Odd Erik Hansen, CEO of Oterra, stated, “This is an exciting time for the industry as demand for natural colors continues to increase. We expect the addition of SECNA to be a meaningful contributor to Oterra’s growth in 2021 and beyond, as we solidify our position as one of the world’s leading suppliers of natural colours. We look forward to offering both our, and SECNA’s, customers a fully integrated go-to-market service soon.”

With this acquisition, Oterra, will further enhance its value offerings to customers worldwide. Notable portfolio additions include SECNA’S anthocyanins from black carrots and grape, as well as caramel, and an organic range. After a period, the SECNA group will be fully incorporated into Oterra.

Approximately 80 SECNA employees, based in Spain and Italy, will join Oterra. This is an exciting time for Oterra, who look forward to having them on the team. “SECNA’s skilled and competent workforce stood out from the start, and I am happy to welcome them to the Oterra family,” said Odd Erik Hansen.

Natural energy and performance recovery brand, Resync, announced the newest Resync beverage, the first vegan ready-to-drink multisystem support drink on the market. The Resync beverage offers a convenient and delicious way to support the heart, immune and digestive system all in one eleven-ounce sparkling beverage.

The Resync beverage brings together the most critical ingredients to support the primary functional systems of the body, including immunity-boosting vitamin C that provides 555 % of daily value; seven grams of plant fiber and prebiotics to strengthen gut health; 200 mg of phenolic antioxidants to aid proper heart and immune system function; and a plant-based nitric oxide blend to support the heart and provide natural energy.

“Although the idea for the Resync beverage predated Covid-19, the pandemic became both my motivation and demand-based rationale to create the first vegan- and one of the healthiest overall-ready-to-drink beverages on the market,” said Resync, LLC founder and CEO Barbara Depta. “It is important to me that my premium line of natural energy and recovery improvement products support a moderately-active senior just as much it does my pro-athlete clients. The Resync beverage, as well as the entire line of Resync products, are both suitable for and accessible to everyone, anywhere, anytime.”

The functional support provided in one eleven-ounce can of Resync beverage brings together what would normally require three separate and distinct consumable products for the heart, immune and digestive systems. The aronia citrus flavour of the Resync beverage was born of the combination of natural ingredients: aronia berries, one of nature’s most powerful antioxidants; red beets, which are packed with fiber, folate, manganese, potassium, iron, and vitamin C for improved blood flow; and high-quality red spinach, which supplies nitric oxide, a critical molecule in our bodies that aids in increased blood flow and energy.

In the creation of her product line, Depta discovered that nitric oxide, delivered on the cellular level through the vascular system, could help provide nutrients to the entire body to support energy, heart health, and brain functionality, while supporting healthy inflammatory response due to exercise. It supports many essential reactions underneath the skin and has the potential to relax and widen blood vessels, allowing for more effective and efficient blood flow, nutrient delivery throughout the body. The plant-based nitric oxide blend is the primary element of every product in the Resync line.

Resync RTD can be purchased on Resync’s website at resyncproducts.com. The eleven-ounce cans are sold in packs of 12 for $69.99, or $59.49 with a monthly subscription.

The Resync beverage joins a full line of natural energy and performance support drinks and blends developed on the basis of scientific research, with registered dietitians, and performance testing. Resync uses third party testing certification for their supplement line, including NSF Certified for Sport and BSCG, to ensure all products are safe and free of banned substances. The full line, which offers Resync Recovery Blend and Resync Premium Collagen Peptides, is non-GMO, gluten free, sugar free, contains no artificial sweeteners, and is keto friendly. Resync is the trusted brand of registered dietitians, doctors, coaches and athletes around the world.

About Resync
Barbara Depta created Resync in 2017 while she was traveling as a structural balance coach with one of the top NFL teams. Her goal was to develop products that didn’t exist for professional athletes and anyone who wants clinically tested, plant-based blends to sustain their energy, recover better post physical activity -products to help people feel their best, refuel their bodies, and support every layer of their connective tissue health.

Chr. Hansen Natural Colors, an EQT portfolio company, announces its first major transaction, after becoming a standalone company, further bolstering the company’s position as the world leader in natural colours.

Chr. Hansen Natural Colors, a world leading provider of natural colors with the widest portfolio in the industry, has announced plans to continue its strong growth acceleration with the integration of SECNA Natural Ingredients Group S.L into its portfolio.

This is the first add-on investment since being acquired by private equity firm EQT, and it significantly strengthens Chr. Hansen Natural Colors position by giving it access to SECNA Groups’ strong pigment portfolio, which notably includes anthocyanins from black carrots and grape, and caramel.

“We’re committed to continuing to find new ways to harness and share the power of nature’s true colours. This is the first of many exciting milestones for us as a standalone company. We look to enhance our value proposition and strengthen our operational platform together with the team at SECNA at a time when demand for naturally sourced colours is increasing” said Odd Erik Hansen, CEO, Chr. Hansen Natural Colors.

For SECNA Group CEO, Gabriel Muñoz, this partnership is the ideal opportunity to join forces with a like-minded established industry leader. “It’s a win–win situation as Chr. Hansen Natural Colors will add our strong pigment offerings in anthocyanins and caramel to their collection, while providing our valued customers and suppliers with access to their portfolio, technologies and market reach, which is the most extensive in the industry”.

“The combination of our colour platforms puts us in a prime position to better serve the market and our customers, and we’re looking forward to welcoming SECNA Groups’ 100 employees to the Chr. Hansen Natural Colors team” said Klaus Bjerrum, COO, Chr. Hansen Natural Colors.

The SECNA group is a holding of several companies, with a presence in Spain, Italy and Turkey.

The volume of Elopak’s Natural Brown Board cartons surpassed one billion units in February 2021. The milestone is good news for the company’s sustainability efforts, as the lower CO₂ footprint of these cartons means an estimated 3,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions have been avoided as a result. The reduction in CO₂ emissions resulting from the use of Natural Brown Board is equivalent to approximately 1,400 round trip flights for one person London – New York.

The news comes after Elopak recorded a significant increase in its sale of Natural Brown Board cartons in 2019, with brands responding to increased consumer interest in the environmental credentials of their products by making the transition to sustainable packaging solutions. Today approximately 20 % of the Pure-Pak^® milk cartons Elopak sells in Western Europe are produced with Natural Brown Board.

Launched in 2017, in partnership with supplier Stora Enso, Elopak was the first packaging company to provide gable top cartons made with Natural Brown Board. These Pure-Pak^® cartons are renewable and recyclable. They have a lower CO2 footprint owing to reduced wood consumption and the elimination of the bleaching process. Their rustic, natural look effectively communicates this commitment to sustainability and instantly stands out on the shelves.

Several customers were quick to embrace the Natural Brown Board with Arla being the first major brand to adopt the innovation for its line of organic EKO products in Sweden. In June 2018, when Arla launched its Arla Organic range of milk and drinking yoghurts, the brand opted again for one litre Pure-Pak^® cartons with Natural Brown Board, which were rolled out across the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Germany and Finland.

Some customers have taken the concept further and removed the renewable plastic cap. Norwegian dairy, TINE, transitioned from a white carton with a cap to a Natural Brown Board carton without a cap, resulting in a carbon footprint reduction of around 40 %. Sweden’s second-largest dairy Skånemejerier has also removed the caps on all their Hjordnära organic milk one-liter cartons, launching its organic milk in new Pure-Pak^® cartons with an easy opening funnel feature to replace the plastic closure.

Since its launch, Elopak’s Natural Brown Board cartons has served as a platform for further sustainability-focused innovations, including the Pure-Pak^® Imagine launched in 2020. The carton is a modern version of the company’s original Pure-Pak^® carton, containing 46 % less plastic and designed with a new easy open feature. It has no plastic screw cap and is 100 % forest-based made with Natural Brown Board, making it Elopak’s most environmentally friendly carton to date.

Chr. Hansen Holding A/S entered into an agreement to divest its Natural Colors business to the EQT IX Fund for a cash consideration of 800 EUR million on cash and debt free basis. The transaction is expected to close during the spring of 2021, subject to regulatory approvals.

This agreement concludes the strategic review of the Company’s portfolio announced in July 2020, where Chr. Hansen’s Board of Directors and the Executive Board decided to explore strategic options for the Natural Colors business as it does not share the microbial and fermentation technology platforms.

Mauricio Graber, CEO of Chr. Hansen, said: “The divestment of Natural Colors completes the Review part of our recently launched 2025 Strategy. Chr. Hansen can now focus on fulfilling the ambition of becoming a pure-play, microbial and fermentation company with industry leading, profitable growth. I am convinced EQT will be a great owner of the Natural Colors business which has a leading global position in the industry. During the process it has become clear that EQT showed the strongest conviction in the potential of the business, and the highest dedication to the future development of it. I want to thank all the employees of the Natural Colors business for their contribution to Chr. Hansen over many years, and wish them all the best in the future journey as an independent company.”

Mads Ditlevsen, Partner at EQT Partners, and Investment Advisor to EQT IX, commented: “We are immensely proud and humble of having been chosen as the future owner of Natural Colors. It is a high- quality and truly global business with a proud legacy of servicing customers all over the world for more than 100 years. We are highly impressed by the strong ESG profile, the high-quality organization and talented people we have met during this process, as well as the dedicated focus on food safety. Natural Colors fits very well with EQT’s thematic investment criteria and is operating in two of EQT IX’s five prioritized sub- sectors within Industrial Technology. EQT’s ambition is to help the business achieve further growth both organically and through acquisitions.”

Klaus Bjerrum, Executive Vice President of Natural Colors, said: “I am very pleased to announce EQT as the new owner of Chr. Hansen’s Natural Colors business. EQT has acquired our great business (pending closing) to grow it organically and inorganically based on our capabilities and organization, and not least our leading market position. It is my conviction that this marks a new and exciting chapter for us, and I am
excited to embark on this journey with EQT and all our talented employees around the world.”

Financial implications and outlook
Chr. Hansen’s long-term financial ambition is unaffected by the divestment. The proceeds from the divestment will reduce the leverage of Chr. Hansen, and will otherwise be utilized according to the capital allocation principles.
In the Chr. Hansen Annual Report, which will be released on October 8, the divested business will be presented as discontinued operations. The outlook for organic growth, EBIT before special items and free cash flow before acquisitions and special items for 2020/21, that will also be presented in the annual report, will not include the discontinued operations. Furthermore, the preliminary estimates of impacts of the transaction in 2020/21 will be part of the outlook.

Fi Europe & Ni 2019: the most successful edition of the world’s leading trade show in France to date

With an enormous thematic and geographical scope – exhibitors from 74 countries and visitors from 173 countries – Fi Europe & Ni once again proved that it is the trusted and chosen meeting place for the international food and beverage industry. The three-day event attracted almost 25.000 visitors at the beginning of December – despite the all-out strike on the third day of the show.

In the 33rd year of Fi Europe & Ni, 1,700 exhibitors presented more than 15,000 ingredients and a wide range of related services – from processing and packaging technology to contract manufacturing. To provide a platform for the growing globalisation of the industry, Fi Europe & Ni this year welcomed 26 country pavilions, including six new ones for suppliers from Japan, India, Georgia, Nigeria, Sri Lanka and Peru. For the next event in Frankfurt, 84 per cent of the available exhibition space has already been booked. This high number of stand reservations for 2020 is once again a proof that Fi Europe & Ni remains a successful and respected business platform for exhibitors.

With 24.415 attendees, this edition of Fi Europe & Ni was the most successful one in France so far. Recent analyses show that mainly representatives of sales, procurement and purchasing, general management and R&D attended the show at Parc des Expositions Paris Nord, Villepinte. 33 per cent of the visitors were managers at C-level or higher, and 71 per cent had budget responsibility.

Rüdiger Schock, Director, Innovation Acceleration EMEA at Ingredion, commented: “We have been exhibiting our innovative ingredient portfolio at Fi Europe & Ni for more than 20 years, and we will definitely be back. 2019 was another very successful fair for us. It was a great opportunity to meet with customers old and new to discuss global key trends such as clean label, protein enrichment, sugar reduction and plant-based ingredients, and the solutions we have to support them.”

Continuous development

Since its launch in 1986, the event has always had its finger on the industry pulse and has continually expanded. First, Ni (Natural ingredients) joined the exhibition and has established itself as a forum for future-oriented natural ingredients. In addition, an extensive conference and educational programme has been added and this year attracted more than 300 delegates, offering in-depth insights into key trends such as “Healthy & Functional”, “Plant-derived Ingredients”, “Clean Label” and “Reduction & Reformulation”. The Future of Nutrition Summit on the day before the fair proved highly successful, attracting more than 100 participants and showcasing outstanding and game-changing innovations, with a focus on sustainable food systems and new food technologies.

Firmenich’s Global Director Marketing and Communication Ingredients, Virginie Gervason, stated: “As we are involved in flavour ingredients and flavour solutions, Fi Europe & Ni is the best place for us to showcase our innovations and insights, and demonstrate the best use of these solutions. It’s a good opportunity to show the versatility of Firmenich, and how our ingredients embody our purpose ‘For Good Naturally’.”

Within the Expo FoodTec, which was added to the Fi Europe & Ni line-up to mirror the interplay between ingredients and technology, the Expo FoodTec Content Hub presented valuable advice, especially in the field of food safety. In a time where flexitarian and vegan consumers fuel the market, the new Plant-based Experience showed, through panel discussions, how to strike the balance between consumer-expected low price and high quality.

A New Gen trade show: Fi and Hi co-located under one roof

2020 in Frankfurt, Fi Europe and Hi Europe will join forces for the first time. This co-location is a strategic response to the fact that the health and nutrition economic sectors are merging at a fast pace. Consequently, the boundaries between standard ingredients, functional ingredients with added health benefits, and dietary supplements are blurring.

As many companies also have much shorter innovation cycles than a few years ago, Fi Europe and Hi Europe will take place annually starting next year. Messe Frankfurt will be first to host the largest trade show for the food and beverage industry, from 1 to 3 December.

From a visitor’s point of view, the show is still highly relevant in a digital age: “It’s difficult sometimes when you’re trying to source a new ingredient – yes, you can do a Google search to find the data, but you don’t get that full insight into what each supplier is doing. So this show really brings it all together under one roof,” said Suzanne Salt, Procurement Manager, Symingtons Ltd.

Fi Europe Brand Director Julien Bonvallet was delighted with this year’s event: “Thirty-three years of Fi Europe & Ni are a reason to celebrate! We are grateful that so many visitors made their way to Paris despite the strike warning. But it also shows that Fi Europe & Ni is simply the place to be for the industry’s thought leaders. I am now looking forward to this great new development and can already promise many exciting inclusions for the show in 2020.”

Compared to the rest of Europe, Germans attach particular importance to naturalness when buying food. Only taste and consumer friendliness are more important to German citizens. Consumers in France and the UK also pay particular attention to these two factors, followed by value for money and naturalness. In the future, the demand for natural foods could increase, especially in China. These are the results of six studies carried out by Symrise over the past two years. The Group surveyed around 15,000 consumers ages 16 to 70 from 12 countries in Europe, Asia, North America and Latin America.

The importance of naturalness differs greatly from country to country. At the same time, the researchers also identified overarching common aspects. They found that the explicit use of the word “natural” has a great influence on the perception and acceptance of a product or its ingredients. In addition, consumers around the world reject ingredients with scientific-sounding names because they do not perceive them as natural. In order for the consumer to understand and trust the content of the label, it needs concrete and transparent information. Another finding was that consumers prefer familiar methods of food preparation. Artificial sweeteners are also considered unhealthy and too sweet.

“Many consumers today want to buy the most natural food possible,” says Stefanie Hartwig, Global Marketing Engagement Manager at Symrise. “At Symrise, we respond to this preference with our code of nature® platform. This means that we value natural ingredients, gentle processing and authentic taste in our products.”

Germans want understandable ingredients

Especially in Europe, consumers are very interested in the ingredients of food. They thoroughly read even long lists of ingredients as long as they can understand them. In general, respondents attach importance to ingredients they know. On the other hand, they mostly reject unfamiliar ingredients. This also applies to very general disclosures such as the ones on vegetables. Concrete content information significantly improves acceptance. The disclosure of food additives in the form of E numbers, as practiced in the European Union, is also poorly received by consumers, especially in Germany.

In Asia, the proportion of consumers interested in natural foods varies relatively widely. While in Japan almost half of consumers prefer natural raw materials, in Thailand the proportion is about a third and in China about a quarter. China holds the greatest future potential. There are particularly good prospects in the yogurt drink and flavored water categories, if manufacturers simultaneously consider the need for health and safety.

“Natural foods offer an enormous growth market with great opportunities for manufacturers,” says Mathias vom Weg, SVP Global Purchasing Flavor at Symrise. “The challenge is to ensure naturalness throughout the value chain. We focus on transparency and traceability. With clear guidelines, we ensure that our suppliers meet our requirements for naturalness.”

Similar perception of naturalness in North America and Latin America

In the USA, consumers particularly expect naturalness in the yogurt (68 percent), soup (55 percent) and flavored water (50 percent) product categories. Respondents there primarily associate naturalness with the terms “fresh,” “natural,” “local ingredients” and “free of additives and preservatives.” This also applies to Latin America. Consumers there understand naturalness as describing a product that is real and pure without additives. Especially in beverages, Latin American consumers value natural taste, natural sweeteners and a healthy product.

Introduces Má CBD+ natural botanicals functional iced teas exclusively in over 500 The Vitamin Shoppe stores

Sh’nnong Beverage Company is launching new Má Functional Iced Teas with CBD+ natural botanicals with a national roll-out to over 500 The Vitamin Shoppe stores in the USA. Má ready-to-drink teas might be new to The Vitamin Shoppe customers but their roots date back to 2737 BC when Emperor Shennong of China discovered tea and combined it with organic hemp and botanicals to make his original Má brews.  Sh’nnong Beverage Company’s next-generation plant-based beverages start with the finest Green, Oolong or Bai Mudan Teas blended with CBD+ natural botanicals to detox, focus or relax.

Jill Beraud, CEO and Co-founder of Sh’nnong Beverages Company, is no stranger to the iced tea beverage category, having previously served as President of Starbucks & Lipton Joint Ventures at PepsiCo, where she oversaw the largest global tea portfolio and the reinvention of Pure Leaf Teas.

“When my business partner Charlie Herbstreith and I originally discussed this idea, it reminded me of my time at PepsiCo when kombucha and coconut water were just emerging.  However, given the far-reaching benefits of CBD, this is a much bigger white space,” stated Beraud. “The Vitamin Shoppe is the perfect launch partner for us.  They are establishing themselves as CBD Central across multiple categories and have tremendous in-store expertise in health, wellness and nutrition.”

Sh’nnong Beverage Company is raising the bar with next generation, plant-based beverages by infusing each Má Iced Tea with CBD+ natural botanicals. CBD+ not only harnesses the functional benefits of zero-THC Hemp CBD but elevates those benefits by combining it with nearly 20 different herbs and spices inspired by the original Má brews of Emperor Shennong.  Shennong used his brews to treat a variety of conditions and later became known as the Father of Chinese Herbal Medicine.

All Má Functional Iced Teas with CBD+ Natural Botanicals ($4.99) are naturally sweetened, contain no sugar and are less than 10 calories.  Available exclusively at The Vitamin Shoppe, Má Iced Teas are carefully curated into three distinct blends including:

• FOCUS:  Oolong Peach Spark will help you feel more focused with CBD + brain-stimulating adaptogens of ginkgo biloba, gotu kola and Rhodiola Rosea.  With 40mg of natural caffeine added, it is just the right spark you need to help promote cognitive brain activity.
• RELAX:  Lavender Berry Chill features blueberry-infused, caffeine-free Bai Mudan Tea blended with CBD, chamomile, lavender, lemon balm, elderflower and passionflower to impart calm and help reduce stress and anxiety.
• DETOX:  Emperor Spice Cleanse is a caffeine-free, detoxifying brew to help you purify the mind, body and soul with CBD + Green Tea, lemon, chamomile, schisandra berry and dandelion root to help remove toxins from the body.

Sh’nnong Beverage Company was founded to develop plant-based, functional beverages leveraging CBD + natural botanicals inspired by Emperor Shennong.  The company was founded by Jill Beraud and Charlie Herbstreith, executives with over 25 years of business and marketing expertise.

About the Vitamin Shoppe, Inc.:

The Vitamin Shoppe® is an omni-channel specialty retailer and wellness lifestyle Company with the mission of providing customers with the most trusted products, guidance, and services to help them become their best selves, however they define it. Based in Secaucus, New Jersey, the Company offers a comprehensive assortment of nutritional solutions, including vitamins, minerals, specialty supplements, herbs, sports nutrition, homeopathic remedies, green living products, and natural beauty aids.

SVZ, a leading supplier of fruit and vegetable ingredients, is set to showcase an exciting new addition to its 100 % natural, sustainably sourced portfolio at FiE 2019. The company will be presenting its core offering of traceable, high-quality fruit and vegetable purees, juices and concentrates, as well as exciting new products, including authentic strawberry and sour cherry chunky purees.

Chunky puree: bringing more bite to fruit puree

As well as sampling delicious healthy honeyberry shots, visitors to SVZ’s stand at FiE 2019 can find out more about the new chunky purees: the latest addition to the company’s premium portfolio. Minimally processed and retaining pieces of real fruit within a rich, high-quality puree, the new chunky range allows dairy, ice cream and dessert producers to create 100 % natural, clean label products that offer the look, taste, and bite of authentic home-made purees. The size of the fruit pieces in new chunky purees can be individually tailored according to the customer requirements, allowing brands to create a unique texture profile. Chunky purees provide a high-quality and easy-to-use NPD ingredients solution that is ideal for transparent packaging and the ‘healthier choice’ products of premium brands.

Delivering 100 % natural, traceable ingredients

SVZ has remained committed to offering the very best in entirely natural, premium food and beverage ingredients. Today, the company’s extensive portfolio has grown to encompass everything from raspberry and haskap berry puree to cucumber and red beet juice. With its long-standing dedication to building supply-chain visibility and working with suppliers to develop more sustainable farming practices, from the very start SVZ has inspired its customers to harness the power of nature and create the healthy, traceable products consumers increasingly demand.

“The launch of new chunky purees not only opens up a host of exciting NPD possibilities for producers, but equally demonstrates our dedication to serving the ever-changing needs of our customers”, comments Johan Cerstiaens, Commercial Director at SVZ. “From healthy reformulation to minimally processed ingredients for a more authentic, ‘home made’ feel, our ingredients are designed to create exciting taste and texture experiences that satisfy the core demands of today’s consumers. Our commitment to achieving 100 % sustainable sourcing by 2030 additionally means our products don’t just look and taste good, but aim to do good as well.”

Stand 6E110, 3 – 5 December 2019, Paris, France

DDW, The Color House, is pleased to announce that on June 28, 2019 it completed a transaction to acquire the DuPont Natural Colors business which was part of DuPont’s Nutrition & Biosciences division.  The acquisition expands DDW’s global reach and adds technical and manufacturing capabilities in several core natural colors.

DDW adds two DuPont manufacturing facilities (Burton-on-Trent, UK and Santiago, Chile) and all related customer contracts. The expanded business will operate under the “DDW, The Color House” brand. DuPont originally acquired the business in 2017 as part of their acquisition of FMC’s Health & Nutrition business.

“This is the perfect opportunity to expand our portfolio with unique new products and  deepen our position in blending and emulsions. The associates at both sites are very experienced and will ensure that we can continue to provide outstanding products and services during the transition,” explains Ted Nixon, CEO of DDW.

From 16 to 18 May 2019, BIOFACH CHINA will open its doors at the Shanghai World EXPO Exhibition & Convention Center (SWEECC). Around 18,000 visitors and more than 350 exhibitors are expected at this 13th round of the event. Companies from almost 20 countries, including among others China, Denmark, Germany, India, Poland, Sri Lanka or Taiwan, are set to create a highly international atmosphere at the event and will present the latest organic trends. In 2019, Romania has the distinction of being “Country of the Year”. BIOFACH CHINA is organised and executed by the NürnbergMesse Group with its new partner, the government research institute Chinese Academy of Inspection and Quarantine (CAIQ). Running in parallel, the NATURAL EXPO CHINA, which showcases natural products that are undergoing the process of organic certification, will make its debut. At the same time, the CRAFT BEER CHINA Conference & Exhibition and PAK-iD – Shanghai International Intelligent Packaging Equipment, New Material & Creative Design Forum will be held at the same venue, offering exhibitors and visitors alike opportunities for new inspiration and business connections.

Project Director Ethan Shi from NürnbergMesse China very much welcomes the promising collaboration with the new partner: “The CAIQ will provide important support to advance the development of China’s organic sector. Our new partner will use its extensive resources to also strategically promote the growth of BIOFACH CHINA. In turn, we are ready to support China’s organic product innovation and intensively explore the various market segments. In a nutshell: this collaboration has an extensive reach!”

But it’s not just because of the new partnership that Shi excitedly anticipates the forthcoming BIOFACH CHINA: “For this 13th round of the exhibition I am also delighted about the launch of NATURAL EXPO CHINA, which offers a platform to all those market participants that are not or not yet organically certified.”

“Country of the Year”: Romania

As well as creating various synergies, BIOFACH CHINA will once again offer an inspiring supporting programme in 2019. Following on the heels of Denmark in 2017 and New Zealand in 2018, it’s now Romania’s turn to enjoy the spotlight as “Country of the Year”. At a stand conveniently located in the exhibition area, representatives of Romania will exhibit their typical organic products, explain regional differences, display the country’s latest organic trends and offer a point of contact for all interested visitors.

Sector gathering for organic specialists

In addition, BIOFACH CHINA will once again position itself as China’s main sector gathering for a large number of organic specialists. The NATURAL EXPO CHINA, which is making its debut, will put the spotlight on natural products that are in the process of becoming organically certified. In the “China Organic Vegan Forum”, experts will discuss vegan and organic food. Another newcomer this year is the “Organic Maternal and Infant Product Channel Forum” featuring topics and products targeted at pregnant women, new mothers, or families receptive to organic food. Trend scouts will find plenty of exciting innovations from the organic scene at the “Innovative Product Launch Zone”. At the same time, the accompanying “Conference on International Organic Product Market and Development” is the first place to look for publications on the latest organic trends in the Chinese market and for in-depth knowledge of the sector.

Archer Daniels Midland Company (NYSE: ADM) announced that it has reached an agreement to acquire the Ziegler Group, a leading European provider of natural citrus flavor ingredients. The agreement comes shortly after ADM completed its addition of U.S.-based citrus flavor provider Florida Chemical.

“Ziegler is highly respected as a cutting-edge leader in citrus, and we’re excited to welcome their outstanding leadership and talent to ADM,” said Vince Macciocchi, president of ADM’s Nutrition business. “The combination of Ziegler and Florida Chemical will immediately position ADM for growth as a global leader in natural citrus ingredients, with a complete range of innovative citrus solutions and systems for food, beverage and fragrance customers.”

Founded in 1963, Ziegler uses proprietary cold concentration technologies to produce natural high-quality citrus oils, extracts, concentrates and compounds for flavor, food, and beverage industry customers, focusing on Europe, the U.S. and Japan. The company is privately held and headquartered in Aufsess, in southern Germany.

“We are delighted that we found a strong home at ADM where both our business and our people can grow,” said Günter Ziegler. “The integration of more than 50 years of citrus expertise into the ADM group will secure our top priority: successful long-term growth for our business and our employees. Our family members will be staying with the company to help ensure a smooth transition. We’re excited to join ADM and strongly believe that the combination of our technology and citrus capabilities, coupled with the portfolio of ingredients and global reach of ADM, will accelerate growth opportunities while creating benefits for our customers.”

“Citrus is one of the fastest-growing, highest-demand flavors for food and beverages, which is why the creation of a global citrus platform offering a complete product line for our customers is such an important capability for our growth strategy,” Macciocchi continued. “We’re continuing the most ambitious portfolio transformation in our company’s long history, and as we build the world’s leading nutrition company, the beneficiaries will be our customers and our shareholders.”

The deal, which is subject to regulatory approval, is expected to close in the second quarter of 2019.

At Vitafoods Europe, health-promoting natural ingredients expert Taiyo will present brand new innovations that address consumer trends such as veganism, sports nutrition and weight management.

Product developers and buyers looking for innovative ingredients with health-promoting properties in Geneva should head to Taiyo’s stand. The natural-source functional ingredients company will showcase several new products that may prove to be game changers. Taiyo’s Moringa Extract S contains the glucosinolate glucomoringin (GMG); this so-called genetic switch exerts its effect on the human body by activating natural physiological mechanisms to produce more energy. The positive effects of GMG — such as inhibiting inflammation and protecting against neurodegenerative disorders — have already been proven in numerous studies.

Chia seeds have become a popular omega-3 source in recent years. Not widely known is that these small seeds are also an excellent protein source and offer all the amino acids that an adult needs every day, making it particularly interesting as an alternative source of protein for sports nutrition. Taiyo now presents XiaPure^® Chia Protein, a finely milled high-quality vegan protein powder from Chile. This protein-rich source — produced from hand-grown plants and specially selected, purified seeds — contains high levels of protein (40 %) and dietary fibre (38 %), as well as antioxidants and minerals that have a positive effect on muscle mass, weight management and energy levels. The ingredient is perfectly suited for ready-to-drink shakes, milk and sticks, as well as protein-enriched buiscuits or bakery premixes, for example.

The third innovation also addresses a market segment that has been growing steadily for years: weight management. Taiyo’s solution is a tasty and satisfying vegan protein shake concept that contains health-promoting natural ingredients: XiaPure^® Chia Protein powder (an excellent plant-based protein source), Sunfiber^® (low FODMAP dietary fiber), whole green coffee powder (WGCP^™) and SunActive^® Q-10E. It also comprises a delivery system consisting of micronized and micro-encapsulated Coenzyme Q10 to enhance the bioavailability of the micronutrient. Hence, Taiyo’s new organic, non-allergic vegan protein shake concept combines everything that health- and weight-conscious people like and need: ingredients that deliver high-quality micro- and macronutrients, the performance-enhancing Q10 source, an extended feeling of satiety, thanks to the highly digestible fiber, a slow but long-lasting release of natural caffeine and a great cappucino taste.

An exciting novelty regarding the active substances omega-3 and ALA (alpha linolenic acid) is Taiyo’s SunActive^® Chia Oil Powder. ALA is nutritionally important for maintaining a healthy blood cholesterol level. The substance is not spray-dried, but produced using an extremely gentle process that preserves a significantly higher yield of the health-promoting, sensitive ingredients. The powder is 100 % self-emulsifying in cold water and has been specially developed for use in products such as shakes, sticks, sachets and instant beverage supplements.

Hi Europe & Ni 2018 achieves new exhibitor record for manufacturers of natural and organic ingredients

High consumer demand for organic products and foods with natural ingredients is reflected in the wide range of offerings from Health ingredients Europe & Natural ingredients this year. Under the claim “Natural & Organic”, more than 100 exhibitors will present their new developments – from superfoods and natural flavours and extracts to plant-based finished products. From 27 to 29 November in Frankfurt, trade visitors will be given a comprehensive overview of these categories across 4,000 sqm, and will benefit from a wide range of further educational and networking opportunities.

Nowadays, consumers expect much more from functional foods than a few years ago: Besides a health benefit, a natural origin or even organic cultivation, sustainability and ethical qualities are also much in demand. With a wide range of exhibitors offering such ingredients – including Agrana, KSM66-Ashwaganda and Plantex – and an extensive educational programme, Hi Europe & Ni is a valuable source of inspiration for trade visitors from the health and nutrition industry.

Natural ingredients in demand

According to a survey conducted by Mintel last year, around 70 per cent of people interviewed prefer foods with natural ingredients. Manufacturers have recognised this request by offering a constantly growing variety of new and innovative products. Compared to Hi Europe & Ni 2016, the number of exhibitors within the “Natural Ingredients Pavilion” has consequently doubled this year.

Numerous expert lectures will provide insights to challenges and solutions relating to natural alternatives: Leonhard Thunn-Hohenstein, Key Account Manager at AstaReal, for example, speaks in the Supplier Solutions Theatre’s free-to-attend programme about natural astaxanthin from algae to improve eye health. During the two-day Hi Conference, Grégory Dubourg, CEO of Nutrikéo, will explore some of the naturally functional ingredients that are hitting the spotlight like turmeric, ashwagandha and spirulina in his session: “Developing products with naturally functional ingredients”.
At the Plant-based Experience visitors will be able to inform themselves about current trends and experience the growing variety of plant-based products in association with ProVeg International, who will also be organising a Plant-based Innovation Tour featuring exhibitors with new plant-based solutions. In addition, exhibitors with natural solutions will be part of the Innovation Tour on Clean label, trust and transparency by Nutrimarketing.

Organic quality: What do consumers want, what do manufacturers need?

This year, show organiser UBM had to enlarge the “Organic Pavilion” by more than 60 per cent due to the enormous number of enquiries from exhibitors. For Amishi Takalkar, CEO of Nailbiter, an organic certificate has now become a quality feature of many companies’ products “We are starting to see that organic is going mainstream, just like natural. More large CPG companies are launching their organic brands or labels. Organic, in my opinion, is almost turning into table stakes for brands that want to be taken seriously, and perceived as being healthy or ‘better for you’.”

Within the free-to-attend “Organic Spotlight“ at the Industry Insights Theatre, Takalkar will present the organic trend from the consumer’s point of view. Marlene Milan, Research Associate at the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL), will also be providing information on the standards that companies have to meet if they want to offer ingredients of organic quality in the EU, and especially on the German market. She is convinced that consumers do not turn to organic products on a temporary basis: “Once a mainstream shopper goes organic, it’s very hard to bring them back to mainstream. A lot of shoppers go in and buy the brands they know they like, but if I am in that store and see something that looks better or healthier and then I try it and like it, chances are I may not go back.”

With healthy foods and beverages more in demand than ever before, Health ingredients (Hi) Europe & Natural ingredients (Ni) is adding new features that cover the expanding market’s reach into current consumer lifestyles.

Europe’s leading health, natural and nutrition show, Hi Europe & Ni, is celebrating its 10th edition with a move to a larger hall at Messe Frankfurt this year. From 27-29 November 2018, visitors will be able to access all of the show’s many features and live events under one roof. In addition, the Healthy Finished Products Expo will launch this year and Health & Nutrition Week will run once again, following a successful debut in 2016.

Located in the heart of Germany, the leading European market for health and nutrition, Hi Europe & Ni is the premier nutritional ingredients event, offering the best in business opportunities, networking connections, trend insights and product development solutions. The industry has evolved significantly in recent years and, as vegan, vegetarian and flexitarian lifestyles move from niche to mainstream, the market is entering a new era of clean label food and beverage products with rising numbers of natural, organic, functional or “free from” claims.

According to Euromonitor, products positioned towards food intolerance, fortified, functional, naturally healthy or organic are expected to enjoy global growth of 5 percent in retail value terms every year until 2020. In contrast, products with reduced sugar, caffeine or fat content will grow at just 1 percent. The “naturally healthy” sector is ripe for innovation: valued at €251 bn in 2015, further growth of more than €63 bn is expected by 2020.

Hi Europe & Ni 2018 will reflect this booming marketplace with numerous not-to-be-missed highlights. Spanning three days, the event provides a complete overview of the health and nutrition industries. International leaders in healthy food and beverage innovation will showcase the latest solutions for food and drink formulation and reformulation, dietary supplements, nutraceuticals, organics, packaging, processing – and more.

This year’s conference will follow four main themes:

• Focus on Functional: what’s new in gut health, protein and naturally functional foods
• Clean, Natural and Transparent: developments in clean label, natural ingredients and the growing consumer demand for trust and transparency
• Reduce, Remove and Reformulate: solutions for sugar, salt and fat reduction as well as the latest in “free from”
• Personalising Nutrition: innovations in personalised nutrition for consumers at all life stages

In excess of 465 exhibitors are confirmed, including global players such as ADM, BENEO, Glanbia Nutritionals, Lonza and Naturex. More than 10,000 attendees from 94 countries are expected to attend and explore several themed pavilions: Organic, Natural, Free From, the Healthy Finished Product Expo, Expo FoodTec and country pavilions.

Health & Nutrition Week will run alongside Hi Europe & Ni 2018, offering a top-level thought leadership programme, starting on November 24. Working together with external experts from the food industry, academia, market research and more, organiser UBM has created an inspiring line-up of topical presentations and workshops. The Week includes, for example, the one-day Hi Future of Nutrition Summit on November 26, which will explore cutting-edge innovations that are likely to change the food and beverage industry. On November 27-28, the immersive, interactive Hi 5-Senses Conference will target all five senses via an insightful mix of keynote presentations, panel discussions and debates. Additionally, on November 29, it is the third year that women in the industry are invited to attend the Women’s Networking Breakfast to make connections and share advice – and for the first time this year, also men are invited to join.

As the conversion wave from synthetic to natural colors continues to rise in the US market, Chr. Hansen gears up for the future

Global bioscience company Chr. Hansen has purchased the Banker Wire manufacturing facility in Mukwonago, Wisconsin, adding significantly to its presence in North America, in convenient proximity to its Milwaukee-base. Taking this step is in response to an ever growing interest from US consumers in products made from natural, recognizable and safe ingredients, putting pressure on food and beverage producers to convert to natural colors.

The acquired facility will be renovated to become the new North American headquarters for the company’s Natural Colors Division, housing everything from production, to research and development, application and quality assurance labs, a pilot plant, a dedicated warehouse, as well as sales and marketing and other business support functions.
“This is the largest single investment for Natural Colors in recent years and demonstrates our commitment to the important North American market,” says Jacob Vishof Paulsen, acting Executive Vice President of Natural Colors Division. “Having the whole chain gathered in one place will allow for a fast and agile response to customer needs, supporting Chr. Hansen’s current and future business demands for the next decade – with room to grow.”

High quality products, faster

The expansion will strengthen Chr. Hansen’s position as an industry leader with full supply chain capabilities to deliver natural color solutions to current and future customers. The new state-of-the-art site will create better speed to market, based on more flexibility in production and supply chain and resulting in high quality products, faster.
Chr. Hansen, who has been present on the North American market since 1878, will take over the building next year and initially employ 70-80 people. Meanwhile we will continue to serve our many customers from our base in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.