Page 78 - Food & Drink Business Nov-Dec 2019

SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
Real extracts, real value
With the fast changing nature of the food and beverage sector, extracts can be the ingredient that gives a brand the leading edge, writes Johana Contreras from Sensient Technologies.
THE massive growth in the better-for-you sector, rise of organics, and growing consumer awareness about the nutritional value of foods has created a new level of demand for extracts.
What can sometimes get
lost when describing the
many benefits of extracts
is understanding exactly
what they are. An extract is
a compound prepared from matter extracted directly from a specific botanical source or from a unique grouping of botanicals.
Extracts are the expression of the “Power of Nature” in its
most concentrated and purest form. They can be presented in liquid or dried (flakes or milled) form, soluble in either water or oil according to the final product application.
The application of extracts is a key factor in ensuring they are optimised for the delivery of the benefits such as flavour and functionality.
They can be part of a brand’s secret arsenal to make its products more appealing to consumers. For example, the use of extracts like herbs, flowers, or spices delivers flavours that are natural, not too sweet,
and boost the sophistication for alcoholic spirits or soft drinks, transforming and enhancing the positioning.
CLEAN-LABEL CUES
At Sensient, we talk a lot about the key benefits of extracts, particularly natural extracts given the growing consumer demand for natural, clean-label products. Natural extracts
can help to optimise a brand’s position and value by delivering safe, trusted and premium appeal as they are clean label, GMO- free, all-natural and can even be linked to provenance claims.
Provenance is an essential element of differentiation that develops a stronger connection with consumers, building trust, differentiation and, by boosting the association of
the product with high quality, transparency and control over the ingredients sourced.
Sensient Natural extracts
are ideal for clean-label
and transparent ingredient panels that instill confidence
in consumers. They can be organic compliant and have
the claim of provenance that manufacturers and consumers demand in their products. Their authentic tastes can transform product profiles to create interest and build brand loyalty.
In addition to the profiles and combinations that can
be created from our natural extracts, there are many other positives from their use:
TASTE RETENTION
Extracts keep their flavour profile and taste far longer than their source botanicals. They will not last forever, certainly, as they are free from preservatives, but their shelf life is more than sufficient for storage and use over a specified manufacturing period.
DIVERSE APPLICATION
Sensient Natural Extracts
are created using several technologies so that each has excellent solubility for use in water or oil. This makes them ideal for use in many food
and beverage applications. Through extraction of phytochemicals from plant sources, Sensient’s PhytoClean Extracts are 100 per cent pure plant – free of residual solvents and offer additional suggestive nutritive and health benefits.
ALMOST LIMITLESS POTENTIAL
Very few botanicals are unsuitable for extracts. Extracts come from herbs, fruits, flowers and hops, spices, vegetables, teas, coffees, cocoas... the
list continues to grow. For us at Sensient, our
seed-to-shelf transparency is a core value. It means all our customers can see every step of the production process and have peace of mind about
the integrity of the extracts they are using. Our range of natural extracts can benefit your brand, whether it is
for juices, flavoured water, bakery products, ice creams, or nutraceutical products.
As we head into 2020, we are seeing even more innovative uses for extracts. In Europe there is growing interest with the craft beer market looking for natural extracts with reputable provenance and transparency.
In Australia, the blooming interest for Australian Natives is a fascinating interpretation of the consumer’s desire
for new alternatives, full of stories, flavours, and benefits that connect real brands
with real people. ✷
78 | Food&Drink business | November-December 2019 | www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au