Once again, Virgo’s SupplySide West expo and conference experienced growth, breaking all previous records set. The number of attendees present at the 2013 show increased 11 percent from 2012, according to show officials. Nearly 12,000 leaders and decisions-makers representing the  global dietary supplement, food, beverage, animal nutrition, personal care, cosmetic, pharmaceutical and sports nutrition industries attended the show. Additionally, the show floor boasted more than 1,700 booths offering more than 10,000 ingredients, technologies and services.

Among the hot ingredient trends seen on the show floor were an emphasis on natural colors and flavors; probiotics with generally recognized as safe (GRAS) affirmation and for use in a wider range of product applications; omega-3s from both vegetarian and marine sources, particularly in higher concentrations; and botanical ingredients supported by more testing and greater transparency in the supply chain. Other key topics included strategic approaches to a global supply chain and sustainability as well as investments in information technology, infrastructure and research and development (R&D).

The following are some of the highlights from beverage ingredient suppliers that exhibited at the show:

AIBMR Life Sciences Inc., Puyallup, Wash., highlighted its exclusive relationship with the good laboratory practice-certified Toxi-Coop Toxicological Research Center, which can save its customers thousands on U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), and European Union/European Commission-compliant toxicological studies while delivering faster lab results, it says. It also promoted its expertise in natural products consulting, product development and regulatory compliance.

Ajinomoto North America Inc., Itasca, Ill., highlighted its Advantame ingredient portfolio for reducing sugar, masking off-notes, or enhancing the flavor of beverage applications. The product is available in three forms: Advantame, which is derived from aspartame and vanillin; AjiSweet VM95, which consists of 5 percent Advantame and 95 percent maltodextrin; and AjiSweet VM99, which consists of 1 percent Advantame and 99 percent maltodextrin.

Allen Flavors Inc., Edison, N.J., showcased its expertise with tea ingredients by offering samples of half-tea half-lemonade, green tea with ginseng, half-tea half-pink-lemonade, and iced tea with lemon beverages. It also promoted its experience with functional beverages and natural and organic vanilla flavors and highlighted its role as the U.S. distributor for Nestlé Coffee & Tea.

Archer Daniels Midland Co. (ADM), Decatur, Ill., offered samples of a forest-berry-flavored juice drink and citrus cooler beverage featuring its Clarisoy 100 isolated soy protein. Clarisoy 100 is a vegetable-based protein that offers clarity and protein nutrition for low-pH beverage systems. The joint venture between ADM, Matsutani Chemical Industry Co. Ltd. and Matsutani America Inc. also promoted its Fibersol line of soluble dietary fibers, including Fibersol-2 and Fibersol-2AG, Fibersol-LQ and Fibersol-HS.

BASF Corp., Florham Park, N.J., offered samples of three beverages to showcase its ingredients. It featured a tropical energy drink that included caffeine anhydrous granular vitamins B5 and B12, shape-up dietary supplement shots that featured Tonalin 35 WDP, and a heart-healthy lemonade that contained Vegapure F 40 WDP E. 

BI Nutraceuticals, Long Beach, Calif., highlighted its baobab fruit powder, which offers vitamins, minerals and soluble fiber; green tea powder and extracts; and BI Greens Blend, which adds dietary fiber and polyphenols to beverages.

Bioenergy Life Science Inc., Ham Lake, Minn., hosted at its booth Olympic athletes Susan Francia and Billy Demong who discussed how Bioenergy Ribose has benefited their performances. It also offered samples of energy drinks and shots formulated with Bioenergy Ribose.

Biothera, Eagan, Minn., announced that its Wellmune WGP immune booster was selected to be the active ingredient in the new Immune Fit bulk powder from MRI.

Blue California, Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif., showcased its L-Tea Active natural L-theanine 98 percent. The FDA-certified GRAS, water-soluble ingredient induces relaxation, reduces anxiety and stress, and improves concentration and mental alertness, the company says.

Brenntag North America, Reading, Pa., offered information about its range of clean-label ingredients, which it defines as not synthetically produced, not highly processed and easy to pronounce. This allows for a more label-friendly ingredient declaration for consumers, the company says.

Cargill Inc., Minneapolis, offered samples of grapefruit-flavored water made with a combination of its Truvia stevia leaf extract and Zerose erythritol bulk sweetener. It also featured a peach mango iced tea flavored supplement shot that was formulated with its Regenasure glucosamine.

Sparta, Wis.-based Century Foods International, a division of Hormel Foods Corp., highlighted its capabilities as a contract manufacturer, including large-scale blending, particle sizing, instantizing, agglomerating and fluid bed drying; processing, filling and packaging ready-to-drink beverages; a quality assurance and quality control lab to ensure the safety and efficacy of ingredients; and an R&D team to assist in developing new flavors, blends or products.

The Natural Colors Division of Chr. Hansen Inc., Milwaukee, highlighted its FruitMax range of natural colors sourced from fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices; Ultra-Stable Reds, which match FD&C Red No. 40; and easy-to-dissolve yellow, orange, red and purple I-Colors.

ColorMaker, Anaheim, Calif., through its strategic partnership with D.D. Williamson, highlighted its ability to offer custom natural color blends that are compatible with customers’ product, process, distribution and packaging needs. It also called attention to its colorWheel, which displays more than 16 million different colors and helps clients select a color by considering hue, saturation and lightness.

Corbion Caravan, Lenexa, Kan., promoted its line of Nutrivan nutritional premixes, which take into account all aspects of the finished beverage to ensure that the product meets its label requirements.

Flavor Producers, Valencia, Calif., introduced its new Emulz flavor delivery system that uses high-pressure emulsion technology and provides a natural, clean label option. It is available in 20 different flavors. The company also highlighted its Is?z essences and extracts, which are created by isolating the essential attributes from herbs, spices, fruits and vegetables and also offer a clean label.

Glanbia Nutritionals, Evanston, Ill., offered samples of an acai ancient grain smoothie featuring its Chromax chromium picolinate for cognitive and mood support; VitaCholine choline for healthy memory function; BevGrad Chia to improve beverage mouthfeel and boost nutrition; SelectSorghum Pre-Gel to enhance suspension properties; and PhytoForce Curcumin Peptones to improve the solubility and delivery of curcumin.

Gold Coast Ingredients Inc., Commerce, Calif., promoted its range of more than 1,500 flavors and colors, including natural and certified-organic options.

Gum Technology Corp., Tucson, Ariz., highlighted its Coyote Brand Stabilizer FKX-1001 for chai protein beverages. Key benefits of the product include easy dispersion, suspension and emulsification as well as a smooth, creamy mouthfeel.

Hilmar Ingredients, Hilmar, Calif., showcased its Hilmar 9400 Whey Protein Isolate in a ready-to-drink (RTD) chocolate shake and strawberry-banana smoothie. Offering more than 90 percent protein, the ingredient contributes maximum protein and a clean flavor profile with almost no fat or carbohydrates, the company says.

Hormel Foods, Austin, Minn., showcased its Fuxions FFI series of water-soluble emulsion formulations.

Ingredion Inc., Westchester, Ill., offered samples of a pomegranate smoothie featuring its Nutraflora natural prebiotic fiber, N-Creamer 110 stabilizer blend, Enliten Reb A stevia sweetener, and Aquamin S natural calcified mineral source. It also introduced a new grain-based satiety ingredient called Weightain for use in shakes and smoothies.

International Dehydrated Foods Inc., Springfield, Mo., offered samples of a protein smoothie made with its high-protein chicken powder. The company positions its proteins as “flavor-neutral” and being able to support allergen-free claims without a bitter or lingering aftertaste.

Ottens Flavors, Philadelphia, offered samples of a chilled caramel macchiato coffee drink featuring Ottens’ stevia modifier and green coffee bean powder as well as a watermelon cucumber coconut water containing its stevia modifier and coconut water powder with a natural watermelon cucumber flavor profile.

SensoryEffects, Defiance, Ohio, highlighted its specialty spray-dried emulsified powders and formulated dry-blended systems for smoothies, coffees, and nutritional and functional beverages. The company also offers customized powder and liquid flavor systems for beverages.

Solazyme Inc., South San Francisco, Calif., offered samples of a chocolate shake featuring its whole algal protein and another chocolate beverage containing its whole algal flour. Solazyme’s whole algal protein is a new, non-allergenic, natural whole-food source of vegan protein that is rich in fiber, healthy lipids and micronutrients, the company says. Its whole algal flour is a nutrient-rich alternative to fats and oils that can reduce calories while providing the same mouthfeel as higher-fat foods, it adds.

Synergy, Wauconda, Ill., showcased its portfolio of Sensus natural tea, coffee, herb, botanical and vegetable extracts, essences and concentrates. Organic versions of many of its products are available, it notes.

SupplySide West 2014 will take place Oct. 6-10 at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.