Upcycled ingredient manufacturer Alvinesa Natural Ingredients has acquired Cades Penedes, a Catalonian processor of grape-derived sustainable ingredients. The move will increase Alvinesas production capacity by up to 20% while bolstering the company’s footprint in functional ingredients from winemaking. 

Elements salvaged from wine grape pomace are currently used to give F&B color, added taste and natural preservation qualities. Within supplements, its grape and grape seed extracts are leveraged for their polyphenol or antioxidant activity. 

“The addition of Cades Penedes will increase organic and high-polyphenol raw material,” Jordi Ferre, CEO of Alvinesa, tells NutritionInsight. 

“This will reinforce our ability to scale production to meet the growing requirements of customers, including the organic segment.” 

Salvaged wine ingredients can give color and functionality to teas and flavored waters.Consumer product uses include sports nutrition, soft drinks, energy drinks, cold-pressed juices, teas and fortified and flavored water.

The financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed. 

Uncorking opportunities  
Alvinesa upcycles and transforms grape coproducts in Spain made from 100% Vitis vinifera European wine grapes. 

Its natural ingredients portfolio spans a wide range of product applications, with new applications in development. 

“As we expand our selling, marketing and R&D, especially in Europe and the US, we anticipate good opportunities for these types of ingredients,” continues Ferre. 

Functional features 
Ferre notes that various manufacturers worldwide are already leveraging upcycled grape ingredients, particularly in single ingredient and multiple ingredient supplement products that use a red color. 

“Grape-based extracts are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) and are widely recognized for their powerful antioxidant properties. Moreover, there is an abundance of peer-reviewed clinical evidence that supports the use of grape-based extracts in a broad range of applications that promote human health,” highlights Ferre.

Ferre adds that the company’s organic grape seed extract has generated significant interest from consumer product makers in Europe and the US.

Enhancing food and beverages
Within F&B, the company’s red grape skin extracts give natural color in confectionery, bakery and dairy applications, as well as for use in non-alcoholic beverages. 

Upcycled grape ingredients are currently used in supplements that use a red color. Its red wine concentrate, on the other hand, can provide natural flavor and can be used as part of the formulation in sauces, seasonings, gravies and ready-to-eat prepared foods. 

Meanwhile, its natural tartaric acid can substitute citric acid. It can also be used in bakery, sports drink and pharmaceutical applications.

Diversifying local grapes
The acquisition complements Alvinesa’s current activities as Cades Penedes is situated in one of the most ancient viticultural areas in Europe, the Penedes region in Catalunia. 

With its well-known “terroir” and conducive climate, the region produces premium wine that requires little to no use of pesticides. 

Penedes is better-known for its Cava (sparkling wine) production, and, while white grape varieties predominate, the region also produces some highly regarded oak-aged red wines. 

The expansion will provide important supply chain diversification for Alvinesa, which sources its grape coproducts from Spain’s abundant Castilla-La Mancha wine region. 

“We look forward to contributing to Alvinesa’s global ingredients expansion. We share the same values, commitment and passion for sustainability and the agriculture circular economy,” concludes Jordi Julia, general manager of Cades Penedes.

Side streams trending 
Innova Market Insights recently pegged “Upcycling Redefined” as a Top Ten Trend for 2022, emphasizing industry’s push to reduce food waste.

Last May, the Upcycled Food Association rolled out the “world’s first mark certifying upcycled food,” to help enable consumers to make informed choices in the grocery aisle. 

Upcycled food companies like Renewal Mills is finding new outlets for its ingredients with brand collaborations. Last month, the makers of okara flour partnered with Salt & Straw ice cream manufacturer to produce vegan brownie ice cream.