Over four centuries ago, the brilliant Italian astronomer, physicist, engineer, philosopher and mathematician Galileo Galilei insightfully proposed that “passion is the genesis of genius.” Passion tied to a good idea motivates action. And good ideas like to grow.
The demand for food grade botanicals is rising as more consumers pursue natural products. In response, Bell Flavors & Fragrances has announced a new line of food grade botanical extracts.
A handful of prevailing trends are at work across today’s snack and baking industry to help drive sales forward for foodservice operators, ranging from grain and flavor diversity to an increased focus on health and wellness.
Per IRI, Chicago, the salty snacks category was valued at $22.6 billion for the 52 weeks ending April 16, 2017—a number that encompasses potato chips, tortilla chips, extruded/puffed snacks including cheese puffs, ready-to-eat (RTE) popcorn, corn chips, pretzels and pork rinds—and sales were up 3.60 percent for the year (see the July “State of the Industry—Snacks” issue for detailed category data).
The current plant-based protein trend is directly in line with public health findings, including recommendations to increase intake of nuts to improve overall diet quality. Nuts and seeds contribute dietary nutrition, as well as adding flavor, visual interest and texture to snacks and baked goods.
After centuries of bread baking it is difficult to find or uncover a “new” ingredient or technique. However, American innovation and the local grain movement have provided a revived opportunity to explore the baker’s staple, grain, in the sprouted version.
Global baking ingredient producer Pak Group, through its North American brand, Bellarise, has unveiled a clean label Hawaiian roll improver that is also available in non-allergen and non-GMO formats.
Sweet Green Fields (SGF), one of the largest, privately held, fully integrated global stevia ingredient companies, has achieved Non-GMO Project verification for 28 of its stevia ingredients, making it the largest producer of Non-GMO Project Verified stevia ingredients.
A few weeks ago, I was able to travel to Bellingham, Washington, for the Raspberry Harvest Tour, which was sponsored by the National Processed Raspberry Council.
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