The future of plant-based solutions in the F&B industry

In the past few years, demand for healthy and sustainable products has increased exponentially. One main trend we have been witnessing is the one of plant-based product alternatives.

In fact, market data shows that the number of mainstream consumers buying plant-based options is already rising at a rapid pace. The global plant-based meat market is currently valued at $12.1 billion and is predicted to reach almost $28 billion by 2025. The plantbased dairy products market is even larger: according to Euromonitor, the global market for plant-based milk alternatives reached $21 billion in 2015 and is forecasted to achieve sales of over $34 billion by 2024.

This growing trend has been evident in the US and in Europe and is currently being witnessed in emerging markets such as in the Middle East and in Africa. Now, more than ever, food manufacturers in those regions, across all sectors of the industry, are looking to develop plant-based products to respond to this rising demand.

A LEADING DISTRIBUTOR OF SPECIALITY FOOD INGREDIENTS

Orchem offers a unique plant-based ingredients portfolio that satisfies consumers’ hunger for tastier and healthier vegan products. The company formulates and builds new concepts for customers using the latest innovations in food technology. More precisely, it offers expertise through established partnerships with world-leading suppliers to help you develop and launch vegan products that will set you apart from the competition.

The range of technology services includes new product development, quality improvement, recipe optimisation and labelling advice. “We have solutions for almost every category in the food industry, including meat, beverages, dairy, sweets and chocolates, ice cream, margarine, mayonnaise and many more. We also provide comprehensive solutions that allow food and beverage producers to drive growth through our diverse portfolio that includes speciality ingredients for gluten-free, clean label, fibre enrichment, plant-based protein products and much more,” explains Charlé Warnecke, business unit manager, food ingredients.

• TRANSGLUTAMINASE

This is a natural enzyme that bonds protein molecules together by linking the amino acids glutamine and lysine. It makes the taste, texture and appearance of plantbased food similar to that of meat. It can also thicken dairy systems, and increase yield in tofu production, among other applications.

• PLANT PROTEIN

The demand for plant-based protein shows high growth, as it’s perceived as healthier than conventional animal-based proteins. The increasing demand for protein-rich diets and awareness of importance of protein is driving the market. Orchem provides a wide range of plant protein for multiple applications, including pea and soy protein.

• PECTIN

As a nature-derived ingredient with acknowledged nutritional benefits, pectin is used in diverse applications such as jams, jellies, yoghurt and many more.

• CARRAGEENAN

Extracted from certain species of red algae seaweeds, a natural source, carrageenan is used in a variety of food applications. It gives your product an appetising look by creating a diverse range of textures.

• NATIVE STARCH

As consumer health awareness increases, the demand for native starches rises. Native starches are a great clean label ingredient because they are pure forms of starch that can be obtained from various sources such as wheat, rice and potato.

• FIBRES

To address the growing demand for whole-grain and high-fibre food, Orchem’s full range of fibre enrichment solutions will improve the quality and increase the nutritional value of your product.

• COCOA POWDER

Our cocoa powder range can be used in diverse applications such as beverages, ice creams, baking and much more.

• NATURAL FLAVOURS

We offer an extensive range of flavours that sets our customers apart and keeps consumers loyal.

Our range of natural flavours gives our customers a competitive edge in terms of quality and price, thanks to our partnerships with the world’s leading ingredient manufacturers.

Orchem – www.orchem.com