The 2024 IFT Food Technology Exhibition, held from July 15th to 17th in Chicago, USA, showcased the theme "Collaboration + Innovation: How Can Food Science Technology Change the Food System?" As a premier global B2B event for the food industry, the IFT First attracted participation from over 17,000 food-related professionals, according to official preliminary data.
This year, the spotlight was on emerging ingredients, products, and technologies in plant proteins, sugar reduction, functional beverages, and artificial intelligence. Here, we, at SRS Nutrition Express, provide a rundown of the trends that caught our eye.
IFT
Rapid Growth in the Functional Beverages Sector
The Western consumers’ thirst for health-boosting beverages - featuring probiotics, plant proteins, herbal ingredients, vitamins, and minerals - doesn't seem to be waning. SPINS data revealed at the expo points to a beverage industry in transformation, driven by changing consumer preferences and innovative product offerings. Notably, beverages targeting emotional health saw a 32.6% market growth, followed by digestive health (28.3%), cold and flu (22.6%), energy (9.4%), and cognitive health (7.4%), with data covering the 52 weeks up to March 24, 2024.
New ingredients targeting these health directions were evident at the show:
- L-Theanine: Rhinebio's new tea extract ingredient boasts an L-Theanine content of up to 98%, suitable for various food and beverage categories. This non-protein amino acid derivative traditionally had lower concentrations in green tea. Rhinebio has managed to elevate L-Theanine levels to 40% and even 98% through water extraction and green technologies.
- Rhodiola Extract: PLT introduced Rhodiolife, a Rhodiola extract with key components like rosavin, rosarin, and salidroside, in a water-soluble form fit for a variety of beverage formulas. The ingredient's color, flavor, and active components are stable on the shelf.
- Citicoline: With the rise in demand for cognitive and immune-related products, Kyowa Hakko showcased new applications of its core ingredient, Cognizin Citicoline, in chocolates, candies, and beverages. Citicoline is a substance produced in the body, mainly aimed at cognition and brain health, backed by scientific research data. It's a stable ingredient, resistant to color or flavor changes, suitable for a plethora of food and beverage categories.
The Booming Sugar Reduction Market
Sugar reduction remains a hot topic for breaking into the US market. At this year's IFT Show, alternatives and sugar-reduction technologies were in the spotlight.
- Samyang Corporation unveiled an allulose and corn fiber composite that balances sugar reduction with taste. This composite finds applications in ice cream, among other products, offering a smooth texture and promoting gut health.
- Sweegen developed a Tastecode™ natural flavor technology addressing specific taste challenges in reducing unhealthy ingredients, thus aligning with consumer demand for tasty yet healthy products. Sweegen also introduced sweet protein solutions like Brazzein and Thaumatin, with regulatory submissions planned for 2024 in the US and Europe.
Technological Innovations Driving the Food Industry Forward
From a focus on competitive pricing to emphasizing stability, technical and innovative solutions, the food industry is evolving.
- Dalian Medinova Biological debuted DuraLipo™ liposome technology, using phospholipid bilayers for more efficient absorption and utilization within the body. The company also introduced liposomal vitamin C and iron products, adhering to principles of plant sources, non-GMO, and allergen-free, with excellent shelf stability suitable for diverse applications.
- Alianza Team USA introduced the AI technology platform Oleum to offer customized fat and oil solutions, showcasing the future of food innovation and AI's role in expediting product development.
In summary, the 2024 IFT Show highlighted a trend towards sugar reduction, plant-based ingredients, and alternative materials, particularly focusing on upgrading and reformulating ingredients for food, beverages, and alcoholic products. Technological innovations stood out this year, with significant discussions around bioavailability, artificial intelligence, and cell culture technology.
At SRS Nutrition Express, we are committed to exploring the forefront of nutraceutical ingredients with you. Let's chat in the comments!
For more products or information,
Post time: Aug-06-2024
