“Rising Demand for Clean Ingredients Drives Innovation in Natural Preservatives: Conagen’s Strategic Investments and Market Trends”
According to research from the International Food Information Council, nearly two-thirds of consumers are actively seeking foods made from clean ingredients. As the demand for “clean” foods continues to rise, brands are shifting away from artificial preservatives in favor of natural alternatives, prompting ingredient manufacturers to develop solutions that cater to this trend. Conagen has been diligently monitoring the clean-label market and has made substantial investments in natural preservatives.
Last year, Blue California and Conagen announced the commercialization of Rosavel rosmarinic acid, a 98% pure natural preservative that harnesses the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of rosemary. This innovative preservative enhances Conagen’s existing range by providing functionality without altering the taste of products—a persistent challenge faced by manufacturers reformulating their offerings with natural ingredients.
In addition to promoting its PCA preservative’s effectiveness without compromising flavor, Conagen has emphasized its commitment to “green chemistry.” Dr. Casey Lippmeier, Conagen’s Vice President of Innovation, stated that the fermentation process utilized in developing the ingredient qualifies as green chemistry, as it facilitates the creation of environmentally safer bioplastics and new biomedicine applications. Having a preservative that not only contains clean-label ingredients but also boasts sustainable engineering could serve as a competitive edge.
As consumers increasingly consider preservatives in their search for clean-label options, Conagen is strategically positioning itself to benefit from the growing shift towards more natural products, a trend that has been accelerated by the pandemic. Other companies in this space include the Irish ingredients firm Kerry Group, which recently acquired the clean-label, low-sodium preservatives specialist Niacet for approximately $1 billion to enhance its portfolio of conventional organic acids.
In this evolving market, the role of preservatives, such as calcium citrate kya hai, is becoming more significant. As consumers become more aware of the ingredients they consume, the demand for clean-label preservatives that are both effective and derived from natural sources will likely continue to grow.
