Kerry unveils citrus extract

Using non-thermal liquid/liquid extractions processes, Kerry has introduced new citrus extract technology, New! Citrus Extract, which can be labelled “natural extract”.

The extraction process delivers highly concentrated extracts with reduced level of terpenes and sesquiterpenes. Kerry said it creates a taste profile that is “clean, vibrant, juicy, aromatic and intense”.

Kerry global product director Citrus Tom Mesters said: “Citrus flavours and extracts have been used in foods and beverages for centuries. By enabling producers to retain the wonderful aroma and flavour of authentic citrus and deliver a fresh, intense, full-bodied citrus taste, our technology represents a major step forward from traditional extract processing.

“Our extracts deliver all of the benefits of a natural flavour, but can be labelled a ‘natural extract’, enabling food and beverage developers to clean up their ingredient labels. This new technology enables our customers to offer advanced vibrant flavours for new and unique market products.”

The technology can be used on a variety of citrus with many applications including sparkling and still flavoured waters, RTD teas, juices, isotonic and energy drinks and carbonated soft drinks. It can also be used for alcoholic beverages such as hard seltzers and flavoured spirits.

Lime, lemon, orange and tangerine will be the first flavours available.

Citrus is a leading taste in NPD, particularly in beverages. Since 2017, 47 per cent of flavoured waters have contained citrus profiles. In the same year, citrus was included in 38 per cent of sports and energy drinks, 34 per cent of carbonated soft drinks, 30 per cent of flavoured alcoholic beverages, 29 per cent of RTD iced teas and 26 per cent of juices. In 2019, the use of extracts in beverages increased to 19 per cent in all launches.

All products are completely water-soluble and colourless in the finished application, allowing the product developer to replace a natural citrus flavour with a natural citrus extract, i.e., providing a cleaner ingredient label, the company said.