Nexira explores functionalities of baobab and acacia ingredients from Africa
08 Dec 2020 | Nexira
Nexira has developed inavea Baobab Acacia, an all-natural and organic synergistic formulation of baobab and acacia, two African ingredients. The formula offers scientifically-backed prebiotic effects that contribute to the balance of microflora for enhanced digestive health and general well-being.
This is Benjamin Ferreir.
On behalf of Food Ingredients.
First, I'm joined here today by Julie Imperato.
She's a marketing manager at Nexira who is here to speak to us about the Innvea Baba Aasha, an all-natural and organic synergistic formulation of Baobab and Acaha.
It is pegged by the company as two rising stars in African ingredients.
Hi.
Hi, Julie.
Hi, Benjamin.
So, firstly, What are examples of ways that innvea bababakasha can be applied in food and beverage product development?
As you said, Inavea biobarb acacia is an all-natural product.
It's an, appealing combination with a subtle flavor of, baobab, which can be described as a slightly tangy taste, fruity notes.
This ingredient has also a high fiber content, 67% of dietary fiber.
And it has demonstrated probiotic activities.
So it's really the perfect ingredient to fortify finished products such as dairy products, snacks, , bars, cereals and beverages, and, we have, developed some formulation and product concept in applications like, cereal bars and smoothies.
And sure it can also be used in, in a ready to use and ready to drink powders for nutraceutical applications.
And how has the demand for baobab and Akasha ingredients evolved over the last year?
We've seen, , a rise, of the demand, for the baobab.
It's, linked, we think, it's linked to the, to the rising awareness, of the ingredient around the, the sourcing, the, African origin, around the tree which is called the, the tree of life and also around the taste because it's, a really specific taste.
For the acacia, it's, it's a little bit different, because this ingredient was already known in the industry, but mostly for the technological properties.
But acacia has also probiotic, activity.
And , as you know, the, the gut health market is, is rising and it also helps to, to position a new ingredients in this, rising category and probiotics are one of these, ingredients.
So, when you combine the baobarb and acacia, you really combine also the, the advantages of the, of the raw materials.
As I already said, they are easy to use, in a lot of, application, and they have a, a probiotic effect.
So they can be used in, in In formats in convenient, finished products on the go and, and functional, for example, bars, to, to help you, , fuel your day or, a dairy short, everything during the day to, to help you and, and to, to, to fuel your day.
And how do you ensure carbon neutrality in your production of this unique ingredient?
NexIa, as you, maybe know, is, the world leader in, Acacia, and, the company is, is really aware of, its responsibility and, NexEA has launched, a new range called IAEA, on December 2019, so it was during the, the latest, FIH.
IAEA is, the first premium brand, organic and, sustainable to preserve natural resources, to support local communities, and last but not least, to aim for a carbon neutral footprint.
So, , since, 2009, NEA is involved in, in sustainable sourcing and in local actions in the Sahel with the, NGO SOS Sahel.
The company has participated to a reforestation program, integrated in the Great Green Wall initiative.
And since January 2020, NCEA is going further, is going beyond sustainability with this new brand, IAEA, and we are committed in a carbon neutral target for the, for the project and for the brand in AVA.
We, we really believe that allow environmental impact is a, is a major goal.
It's, it's in the core values of the companies and we think that eco-conscious consumer and manufacturers, are, are looking for this and we believe it's, it's a necessary step for a sustainable growth.
OK.
Thank you very much, Julie.
You're welcome.
