Olam Food Ingredients (OFI)’s spice business is partnering with Agri-Neo to provide “industry’s first organically pasteurized dried onions.” The collaboration will bolster OFI’s market position in dried onion ingredients and expand Agri-Neo’s pasteurization technology, Neo-Pure.

Speaking to FoodIngredientsFirst, Greg Estep, CEO of OFI’s spices platform, says the partnership will support the company’s strategy to supply natural and tailored ingredients. 

Ramping up food safety 
According to Estep, the development of the certified organic dried onion solution “adheres to the highest standards of food safety and quality.”

As a certified-organic solution, the Neo-Pure Pasteurized (NPP) dried onions will support OFI’s customers in delivering ingredients that boast high food safety and quality standards. 

The technology enables pasteurization without radiation, which cannot be used in organic ingredient processing, and will enhance food safety in OFI’s organic and conventional dried onion ingredients.

The partnership demonstrates OFI’s investment in enhanced food safety for both conventional and organic ingredients.“Whether customers are seeking conventional or organic ingredients, the partnership enables us to provide these solutions as safely as possible”, explains Estep. “Ensuring that ingredients meet or exceed the highest safety standards – without harming the natural nutrition and sensory quality of the product.”

This latest collaboration opens up more opportunities to apply natural pasteurization methods to create effective, label-friendly, unique food safety solutions, he adds.

“Agri-Neo shares this view, as shown by the Neo-Pure integration. Consistently and effectively delivering improved food safety standards, this all-natural pasteurization solution maintains the natural taste, color and aroma of our portfolio of dried onion ingredients.” 

Neo-Pure has continued to set the pace as a key player in food safety, adds Rob Wong, president of Agri-Neo. 

“It exceeds the rigorous ingredient standards by using a patented blend of organic actives in a food safety system to eliminate pathogens such as Salmonella, E. coli and Listeria. It is a non-thermal pasteurization process that has been specifically developed to preserve food quality.”

Harnessing Agri-Neo’s Neo-Pure technology, the organic and conventional dried onion ingredients can be pasteurized without irradiation or ethylene oxide sterilization (ETO). 

Addressing lifestyle choices
Beyond the influence of the “health halo” effect, consumers turn to natural products that complement their sustainable lifestyle goals.

“Gone are the days wher consumers accept all product claims at face value. They are highly informed and increasingly tuned into the relationship between their food – including small inclusions such as spices – and the health and well-being of themselves and the planet,” Estep outlines. 

He adds that consumers are using every tool at their disposal to check the provenance and nutritional credentials of their food products. 

“For food companies, this more conscientious The Agri-Neo partnership demonstrates OFI’s commitment to exceed expectations for safe and high-quality food ingredients.mindset means a greater focus is required on delivering food safety and traceability in product offerings, as well as communicating proven natural claims to consumers.”

Estep believes the urgency of organic ingredients ultimately comes down to changing consumer needs. 

“Our organic ingredients enable our customers to give consumers more choice and to differentiate their products on store shelves,” he notes. 

Moreover, “holistic wellness” and “mindful eating” trends have also driven the rising demand for naturally produced, clean label products, as consumers seek foods that are good for them, good for farmers and good for the planet.

Usage across food applications
OFI’s dried onions can be used across a range of applications, including pizzas, burgers, sauces, snacks, marinades and soups. 

According to OFI, food manufacturers can trust the company to supply safe, high-quality ingredients for the savory, snacking and bakery categories.

This development is one of a range of solutions aimed at bolstering OFI’s spices portfolio. 

Last month, the company launched its Blends of the Americas range, offering manufacturers high-quality blends that highlight cuisines from Mexico, the Southwest and the Caribbean.