Symrise launches citrus essence oil replacers to address market challenges

15 Nov 2017 --- Symrise has announced the launch of a new series of citrus essence oil replacers, including certified organics. The fully sustainable products are designed to mimic the taste profile of citrus essence oils. 

Michael Falkenberg, Category Director for Beverages at Symrise described the series as being the perfect solution to overcoming the growing global demand for citrus amid the severely challenged global supply. He says: “Using Symrise Citrus Essence Oil Replacers, customers can count on price stability, supply stability, consistent quality, sustainable raw materials, superior processing techniques and of course, exceptional flavor.” 

“Up to now, citrus oil essences have been readily available with little concern about supply, volumes and pricing according to Falkenberg. He adds: “Today, however, we are focused on the impact of changes in consumer demand, notably the switch from regular orange juice made from concentrate to orange juice not-from-concentrate (NFC).” 

Falkenberg explained that citrus oils are among the by-products of orange juice concentrates, commenting: “There is less processing of juice from concentrates, so fewer by-products such as essential oils are available for the processing of citrus essence oils into citrus flavors.”

Symrise has access to a suite of sustainable resources for essence oil replacers, including both citruses from named sources and natural citrus alternatives. In discussing sustainable citrus from named sources, Mr. Falkenberg cited certified sustainable farming practices; the availability of organic options; using the highest quality oils and/or extracts; and proprietary separation technologies such as SymTrap and SymClear as the company’s unique advantages. Working with these materials also provides the potential benefit of a provenance claim. 

Natural, non-citrus alternatives that are used as raw materials include botanicals with citrus notes and patented natural molecules made from superior biotransformation and/or natural fermentation technologies.

Falkenberg emphasizes that Symrise’s Citrus Essence Oil Replacers go a long way towards overcoming the shortages, price and quality fluctuations, and long-term cost increases that are besieging the global citrus market, noting: “Our Citrus Essence Oil Replacers can address specific market challenges, such as the citrus greening disease which is having a substantial impact on crops – particularly what’s grown in the United States, Brazil and Mexico. Prices are skyrocketing as a result of the damages caused by greening.”

He also cited climate instability, noting the hurricanes, droughts and flooding that have interrupted the availability of supplies worldwide. Falkenberg continues: “Turning to European and Asian citrus suppliers is not a satisfying alternative. While European products may be high in quality, they are also high in cost. The low juice quality of China’s domestically used citrus crops is also a drawback since it has driven farmers to shift to competing for cash crops such as sugar cane and biofuels.” 

Falkenberg concluded: “We understand that customers may be dealing with unique challenges based on their application, but because we have the option to turn to either citrus or non-citrus materials, we are well equipped to develop custom solutions. From initial product development to market, we work side by side with customers, including the crucial labeling and regulatory stages. We are taking this challenge and turning it into an opportunity. Our sustainable citrus capabilities, combined with our inherent strength in citrus and beverages, make us the ideal partner for companies who are looking for fully sustainable citrus solutions.”