Ingredient companies announce acquisitions, new studies

Proprietary probiotics, offnote masking ingredients entering market

(Image courtesy of Sternchemie)

Grasse, France-based Robertet announced that it has acquired Ecom Food Industries, Toronto, a manufacturer of specialty natural flavors and extracts. “The Ecom client and product portfolio perfectly complements Robertet’s own, and we look forward to combining the strengths of both organizations to better serve our clients and their consumers’ needs. Our DNA is a product line consistent with all-natural, botanically sourced ingredients and value-added products to suit consumer needs,” said Philippe Maubert, chairman at Robertet Groupe, in a statement. “Ecom fits perfectly within this strategy, and we look forward to welcoming Ecom into the Robertet family.” Conexus Capital Advisors initiated the transaction and assisted in the negotiations.

With its new SternPur S DH 50, Hamburg, Germany-based Sternchemie brought a hydrolyzed, de-oiled sunflower lecithin to market that aligns with recent clean-label trends, the company says. The new product within the SternPur range is allergen free, non-GMO and serves as an alternative to artificial emulsifiers, it adds. Its enzymatic treatment and effective removal of oils and flavors results in a practically odorless and flavor-neutral lecithin. The easily miscible SternPur S DH 50 powder develops its full functionality without impairing the appearance and taste of the final product, the company says. In fat powders like whole milk, coconut or cocoa powders, this new hydrolyzed sunflower lecithin improves the wetting, sinking and distribution of the powder. For beverages, especially for plant-based milk alternatives, SternPur’s lysophospholipids in the lecithin interact effectively with the proteins to build complexes, stabilizing both emulsions and proteins during pasteurizing and storage.

Cargill, Wayzata, Minn., and joint venture partner DSM have completed a comprehensive Life Cycle Analysis of their EverSweet stevia sweetener. The analysis concluded that EverSweet, which is made from fermentation, offers environmental advantages compared with other stevia sweetener choices produced through leaf extraction or bioconversion, the companies say. These findings indicate that when compared with bio-converted Reb M, EverSweet produces a 60% lower carbon footprint, requires 70% less land and results in a 60% lower ecological footprint. This is the equivalent to 311,000 miles driven by the average passenger car or charging more than 15 million smartphones, when compared with bio-converted Reb M, the companies add.

Comax Flavors, Melville, N.Y., promoted its caffeine maskers and bitter blockers, which can offset the negative taste found in functional products, it says. Available in both powdered and liquid form the company’s caffeine maskers and bitter blockers reduces the overall perception of bitterness achieves a more pleasing taste. They can be used in multiple applications such as non-alcohol and alcohol beverages, nutrition and performance bars as well as confections. “The pandemic has accelerated consumers’ interest in functional food and beverages,” said Catherine Armstrong, vice president of corporate communications at Comax Flavors, in a statement. “We have seen a significant number of new products formulated with caffeine to promote cognitive functions. Comax is committed to delivering customized flavors and customized solutions that meet consumers’ growing demand for caffeinated food and beverages.”

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The Non-Alcohol Beverage Market, analysts at Beverage Marketing Corporation detail how established categories ― like carbonated soft drinks, bottled water, fruit beverages ― and emerging beverage segments ― such as plant milks, ready-to-drink coffees and teas ― are navigating these shifts.

This important industry event is a learning and information sharing experience for warehousing, distribution and fleet management professionals who will have the opportunity to continue to share ideas and network with their industry peers in a safe and productive format as we continue to navigate these challenging times.