Supplier claims pomegranate functional fortification breakthrough
Verdure Sciences says that its Pomella FG product, a whole-fruit-based extract purported to offer pomegranate polyphenols at punicalagins standard, can meet a number of processor demands relating to functional formulations.
Blake Ebersole, technical director at Verdule, said that the introduction of the Pomella FG product was a reflection of overall market demand for all-natural, high-oxygen radical absorbance capacity(ORAC), polyphenol-rich extracts that can have functional food applications.
“Its enhanced flavor profile and potential to extend shelf life create some unique opportunities for food manufacturers to address demand for all-natural, clean label products,” he claimed.
According to the manufacturer, the product, currently pending patent, is based on a proprietary technique it claims has undergone university and other independent testing relating to potential antioxidant potential.
With the product designed to make use of a natural phytochemical profile taken from the entire pomegranate, Verdure suggested it met requirements of current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP).
Market potential
In looking ahead towards market potential, Ebersole told NutraIngredients-USA.com that Pomella FG had applications in products such as yogurts, cereals, and any sort of prepared foods looking to play up natural, shelf-stable benefits.
He claimed that manufacturer interest was already strong in the product even though data related togenerally recognized as safe (GRAS) notification was currently being compiled.
Although the natural profile of Pomella FG was a concentrated form of pomegranate extract, the company believes it will still be similar to enough to GRAS products already on the market.
“Several large multinational food companies are very interested in Pomella FG at this point, since the power of pomegranate and its health benefits seem to continue as an ongoing trend in the US as well as Europe, Asia, and Australia,” he said.
