Bunge Loders Croklaan (BLC) has received a “no questions” letter from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in response to its Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) notification for its latest shea ingredient. 

The FDA letter allows the use of shea butter fractions and their mixtures to manufacture and distribute various US products, including baked goods and cereal. 

“BLC will expand its US portfolio with the soft fraction of shea butter – a non-GMO ingredient that delivers high-stability and excellent mouthfeel in bakery, confectionery and prepared foods,” explains Tyronna Capers, director of marketing at the fats and oils expert. 

“This product links directly to our shea processing facility in Ghana and our sustainability program in West Africa – “wher Life Grows” – which empowers female shea collectors, creating socio-economic value in their communities and regenerates the shea landscape.”

Speaking to FoodIngredientsFirst, a Global Shea Alliance (GSA) spokesperson says: “Demand for shea is on the rise due to innovative use in the food and personal care sectors.”

Specifically, increased consumption in existing product categories such as confectionery and chocolate and the development of new product categories such as baked goods, margarine and spreads and plant-based products are the main drivers of demand.

Shea also appeals to rising consumer preference for sustainable and renewable ingredients. “As part of an agroforestry system, the shea trees contribute to the enhancement of local climate conditions and the slowing down of forest degradation,” the spokesperson details. 

From a social-economic perspective, income from shea, which is mainly controlled by women, is critical to producing communities’ livelihood and resilience, accounting for 33 percent of household income in West Africa. The shea industry creates more than US$200 million income each year for producing communities, they say.

Expanding in applications 
According to GSA estimates, the US shea market consumes approximately 17,500 metric tons of shea (kernel equivalent) annually in both the food and personal care sectors.

This shea ingredient meets the US food market’s rising demand for non-GMO and sustainability while optimizing necessary shelf-stability, taste and texture. It further serves as an ingredient in applications such as cookies, cakes, firmer fillings, glazes and spreads.

This soft fraction of shea butter is the second GRAS recognized shea ingredient from BLC. In 1998, the firm fraction of shea butter – shea stearin – was recognized as GRAS in the US for use in confections and frostings, coatings of soft candy, and sweet sauces and toppings. 

Aligning with market drivers
Given the continued growth of the US food oil market, and considering that shea aligns with its key demand drivers, West African shea exports to the US are expected to increase. 

This is anticipated to positively impact the West Africa economy and the communities linked to shea crushing and collecting, according to the GSA.

Boosting West African exports

This new market could potentially boost West African shea exports to the US by an estimated 13,480 metric tons annually and generate over US$8.5 million additional income per year for West African economies. 

“Our members are creating new export markets that are critical to the advancement of the shea industry. We’re thrilled the US is welcoming shea ingredients to improve so many different consumer products,” says Simballa Sylla, president of GSA.

Even on a conservative basis, this new market will increase shea trade with the US by 77 percent over the status quo. 

Nearly two billion shea trees grow naturally on parklands in 21 African countries stretching from Senegal to South Sudan. 

Sixteen million women living in rural communities individually collect the fresh fruits, and the kernel is processed to extract a vegetable oil known as “shea butter.”

With approximately 800,000 tons collected each year, the industry provides a critical source of jobs and incomes to often poor and underserved communities.

Through its sustainability program, GSA supports its members in identifying industry-wide challenges and implementing collaborative projects that promote women’s empowerment and protection of the shea eco-system. 

GSA is currently implementing a US$1 million five-year partnership with USAID West Africa called the sustainable shea initiative (SSI), which has supported 180,000 women collectors and processors and increased the income of beneficiaries by 45 percent.