EXBERRY secures FDA approval, PLT offers water-soluble ingredient
Dallas, N.C.-based EXBERRY, a leading brand of natural colors for the food and beverage industry, created by GNT, announced it secured approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the use of spirulina extract in beverages. The green light from the FDA grants manufacturers the ability to maintain clean labels while achieving vibrant blue shades. EXBERRY’s color concentrates are derived solely from fruits, vegetables and edible plants through a process of chopping, pressing, filtering and blending, it notes. The company has developed a formulation technology, which is patented, that allows spirulina extract to remain both temperature- and acid-stabilized in beverages, it says. Previously, the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) only permitted the use of spirulina extract as a natural blue coloring ingredient in certain food products and powdered beverages, the company notes. Now, GNT has successfully petitioned the FDA to amend the regulation to include all non-alcohol beverages and alcohol beverages that are below 20% ABV, it says. “GNT’s EXBERRY Blue Beverage Solution at long last offers manufacturers a pathway to bright, stable, regulatory-approved and consumer-friendly natural blue colors,” said GNT USA’s Technical Director, Jane MacDonald, in a statement. “Natural blues have always presented challenges, from regulatory hurdles to technical limitations, but with GNT’s regulatory and technical expertise, we are excited to create new opportunities for beverage manufacturers.”
Lake Mary, Fla.-based Florida Food Products (FFP), a formulator and producer of tea and coffee extracts, as well as clean label solutions, released its new Insights Report titled “Meet the Demand for Function and Flavor in Today’s Beverages.” Investigating the latest trends in flavor and functionality within the beverage industry, the company notes that its proprietary consumer research findings show that almost three-quarters of the consumer population are opting for beverages that provide functional benefits. The report examined consumer desire for the following three trending health and wellness areas: mood enhancement, immunity boosters and clean energy drinks. The reported average annual growth rate for food and beverages launches with “functional” in the name was 59%, it says. “The beverage industry is evolving every day, with innovations and trends constantly emerging,” said Shellie Kramer, senior marketing manager at FFP, in a statement. “Our latest beverage report offers some exciting insight into what today’s consumers are seeking and how beverage manufacturers and innovators can satisfy these rising demands and capture sales. Consumers are choosing beverages that deliver on their desire for clean labels as well as offer health and wellness benefits, yet they are not willing to compromise on flavor.”