Weekly Roundup: Firmenich continues Chinese expansion, CP Kelco expands Azelis distribution deal

01 Oct 2021 --- This week in industry news Firmenich is tapping into the demand for health-conscious taste solutions in the Chinese market, while CP Kelco extended its distribution reach with Azelis in Australia and New Zealand. Diageo opened its first carbon-neutral whiskey distillery in North America and Azelis won the 2021 Ringier Technology Innovation Award for F&B. Also, Perfect Day partnered with Villa Dolce to introduce animal-free gelato and bakery items to the foodservice arena. 

In brief: Business moves 
Firmenich has opened its new customer experience studio in Guangzhou, continuing its expansion in China. The studio is the company’s first integrated sensorial center in South China, allowing the group to respond to local consumer and customer demands for tailored health-conscious taste solutions in this fast-growing market. Studio Guangzhou joins Firmenich’s network of manufacturing, innovation and creation centers in the country, offering a new level of support to Southern China customers’ needs. 

CP Kelco has extended its distribution relationship with Azelis in Australia and New Zealand markets. The agreement reflects the strong collaboration between both companies. Azelis will distribute CP Kelco’s product lines for Consumer & Industrial (C&I) and Food applications, including Genu Pectin, Kelcogel Gellan Gum, Genu Carrageenan, Keltrol Xanthan Gum, Kelco-Vis Diutan Gum, Cellulon Fermentation-Derived Cellulose and the newest addition, Nutrava Citrus Fiber.

Diageo’s new site reflects the company’s commitment to use 100% renewable energy and become net-zero carbon across direct operations by 2030.Benson Hill, Inc., a food technology company unlocking the natural genetic diversity of plants with its cutting-edge food innovation engine, has completed its previously announced business combination with Star Peak Corp II. Concurrent with the closing, Star Peak changed its name to “Benson Hill, Inc.” Benson Hill’s common stock and warrants are expected to commence trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbols “BHIL” and “BHIL.WS,” respectively.

In brief: Sustainability strides 
Global beverage player Diageo has opened its first carbon-neutral distillery in Lebanon, Kentucky, US. The site will source 100% non-GMO corn locally. The 72,000 square-foot facility can produce up to 10 million proof gallons per year and has begun distilling Bulleit Bourbon using electrode boilers powered by 100% renewable electricity throughout the cooking, distillation and dry house processes. 

In brief: Animal-free innovation 
Perfect Day has partnered with Villa Dolce to introduce more sustainable gelato and bakery items to the foodservice industry, including seven gelato flavors and four Ready to Bake Desserts that incorporate Perfect Day’s animal-free dairy protein. The partnership marks Villa Dolce’s first entrance into foodservice with new applications of its animal-free whey protein. 

Impossible Foods has arrived in the United Arab Emirates, the company’s first market in the Middle East. Its flagship product, Impossible Burger, is kosher, halal and gluten-free certified. It is nowImpossible Foods has arrived in the United Arab Emirates, the company’s first market in the Middle East.exclusively available on the menus of select restaurants across Dubai, United Arab Emirates, including Pickl, Sticky Rice, Akira Back and The MAINE Oyster Bar & Grill. The Impossible Burger will be featured at World Expo 2020 on select menus in the US Pavilion. 

Gold&Green Foods is launching its Protein Flakes and Granules Ingredient range. The 100% vegan protein ingredients are made using just three components – oat bran, pea and faba bean protein. Clean label and neutral in flavor, the range offers endless possibilities including burgers, veggie patties, balls and falafels, as well as fillings for plant-based pastries, pies and dumplings. Incredibly versatile, they can also be used in sandwiches and wraps for food-to-go solutions and ready meals, along with sweet and savoury bakery products, granola and even smoothies. 

In brief: Awards and recognition 
Azelis has won the 2021 Ringier Technology Innovation Award for Food & Beverage for the third time in a row. Azelis received the award in the ‘flavoring ingredients’ category, thanks to its formulations incorporating West Coast Hopshine, a hop flavoring by Kalsec. 

Meanwhile, Kalsec has launched Lupulock Encapsulated Hop Oils. Lupulock is a natural alternative to hop cones and pellets that enables brewers to accelerate production and reduce waste while delivering consistent, authentic flavors and aromas. Compared to hop cones and pellets, Lupulock can be stored in ambient temperatures for up to two years, uses exponentially less storage space, and is safe and easy to dose in the post-fermentation phase of the brewing process.

In brief: Other highlights
Tate & Lyle is partnering with the China Foundation for Poverty Alleviation (CFPA) as part of its ‘Healthy Eating, Happy Learning’ child health improvement program in China. More than 2,000 children in nine schools in underdeveloped areas of China’s Hebei and Hubei provinces will receive a nutritious daily meal during the 2021-2022 school year. In addition, the schools will benefit from the installation of modern kitchen equipment in their canteens, and Tate & Lyle will work with experts from the Chinese national authorities to provide nutrition education for both students and teachers.

The Institute of Food Science Technology has launched a new IFST Food Allergens Knowledge Hub to help consumers, food businesses and educators source the best practice advice about allergen risks and packaging. The library of resources signposts visitors to credible guidance food industry bodies and government agencies, alongside additional complementary IFST knowledge resources. 

By Elizabeth Green