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.

Central Washington fruit grower extends beyond premium dried fruit lines into beverage market

Royal Ridge Fruits announces, via its Stoneridge Orchards brand, the introduction of its Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate, a new liquid twist on their popular dried Montmorency cherries.

The Montmorency tart cherry, grown largely in the U.S and Canada, are abundant in anthocyanin’s – a natural, flavonoid compound that contributes to the ruby-red color and distinctive sour-sweet taste. The fruit has become the source of over 50 studies supporting health benefits such as:

• Natural ant-inflammatory agent: targeted for general pain relief, reducing muscle soreness after exercise and easing arthritic or gout pain
• Natural sleep aid: through the presence of melatonin, a human sleep regulating hormone also found in certain plants.
• Natural immune system regulator: through the presence of vitamin C.

Royal Ridge Fruits is the largest West Coast producer of Montmorency tart cherries, through its farming settlement along Central Washington’s Columbia river basin – known for rich soils and a diverse climate. The product will be the first juice available among an extensive line of premium dried fruits, in whole, sliced and diced varieties.

“Responding to a growing body of research on tart cherries, and the popularity of our own tart cherry dried fruit snacks, adding the Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate was a natural step for us,” says Mila Savella, Vice President of Marketing at Royal Ridge Fruits. “The Montmorency cherry has held a special place in our growing cycle for decades, and through our new concentrate we’re hoping more can enjoy it year-round.”

Each bottle of the Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate contains up to 1,000 individual cherries, providing a rich source of the fruit’s natural nutrients. All ingredients in the drink are natural, non-GMO and gluten-free. The Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate will be available to consumers in select US markets through the company’s retailer network. For the initial launch, Stoneridge Orchards will offer the product for $2.00 off.