Kemin Industries has expanded its Fortium R product portfolio that uses rosemary extract for color and flavor protection to enhance the shelf life of meats and baked goods. The portfolio will now include Fortium R30 OR, an organic option for food manufacturers in the Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) region.

Kemin Food Technologies – EMEA developed the Fortium R product line as an alternative to traditionally used synthetic preservatives to provide food manufacturers with natural and organic ingredients to protect their food products from oxidative rancidity.

“Kemin is always looking for blends of plant extracts that can create added value for our customers. Our objective is to offer blends with label-friendly, recognizable and trusted ingredients that can naturally extend shelf life,” Kelly De Vadder, marketing director Kemin Food Technologies EMEA, tells FoodIngredientsFirst. 

The latest addition to its rosemary extract-based portfolio offers an organic oxidation-control solution.“We also look at combinations of plant extracts such as rosemary and food safety solutions to offer an all-in-one blend that is user-friendly and offers convenience in the supply chain.”

Kemin’s line of rosemary extract-based products is designed for maximum effectiveness to optimize flavor, protect color and extend shelf life in various food products.

The newest addition to this suite of products, Fortium R30 OR, is available in both dry and liquid variants.

Consumers demand fresh foods with minimum processing, and they also have an increased desire to purchase organic foods containing recognizable kitchen ingredients, which equates to a clear and transparent label.

Increased calls for better shelf life 
According to De Vadder, since COVID-19, consumers are cooking more frequently at home with fresh ingredients. 

“They want to store the food products in the fridge for a longer period,” she says. 

“At the same tim, they want it to taste and look good. Hence, extending shelf life with natural ingredients is of key importance. Also, when manufacturers are exporting, having a longer shelf life, even for a couple of days, makes a great difference.”

Cleaner labels
De Vadder believes many botanical ingredients have antioxidant or antimicrobial activity, or can be used as a coloring food.

“We observed a shift from clean labels to clear labels. Consumers are looking for transparent labeling with trusted and recognizable ingredients. Rosemary is such a kitchen ingredient that is well-known by consumers,” she details. 

Notably, De Vadder says the organic food market has been growing over the last couple of years. 

“To keep organic food products safe and fresh, manufacturers require label-friendly organic ingredients. Kemin offers organic rosemary as well as organic buffered vinegar to provide a full suite of ingredients to keep these products safe and fresh.”Kemin has observed a shift from clean labels to clear labels, says De Vadder.

“We added Certisys1-certified organic versions of Fortium R30 OR Liquid and Dry to our product portfolio in response to the growing European organic food market,” De Vadder notes. 

“The market is set to reach US$42 billion by 2021, with a compound annual growth rate of close to seven percent. Denmark, Switzerland, the UK and France account for the biggest growth rate and market share,” she shares.

Earlier this month, FoodIngredientsFirst reported that Kemin is driving further growth in clean label food preservation on the back of its growth in rosemary innovation. 

Last May, the company hailed rosemary as a front runner for extending shelf life.

Kemin has also explored alternative solutions to synthetic ingredients for preventing the loss of color and flavor while extending shelf life.