Las Vegas, NV—More than 1,400 exhibitors gathered in Las Vegas for the 2023 edition of SupplySide West (SSW) and Food ingredients North America (FiNA) to showcase their latest science and innovations. Attendees at the industry event were updated on emerging trends, science, innovation, and regulations shaping the food, beverage and supplement categories.

"There was palpable energy across the Expo Hall and conference sessions which underscored the highly valued experience that SupplySide West provides to those in the nutrition community across food, beverage and supplements categories," said Danica Cullins, Senior Vice President, SupplySide, in a press release. "From concept to creation, SupplySide West is the platform that propels the health and wellness industry forward to deliver products that support healthy consumer lifestyles."

Among the attendees was Jim Emme, CEO of NOW Health Group, who noted: "SupplySide West has always been a key event for NOW Foods and this year was no exception. SupplySide West 2023 seemed to be very well attended, with more vendors exhibiting, providing many additional sourcing opportunities for our Quality, Purchasing and Category Management Teams. The regulatory events were informative, SupplySide West once again proved to be a very productive and efficient way to support the NOW brand at one event."

The WholeFoods Magazine team was also in attendance, exhibiting as well as covering the education events and meeting with fellow exhibitors on the show floor to find out what is new and what is next. Read on for major trends, insights, and key takeaways from the show floor.

SSW was presented by KSM-66 Ashwagandha—visit the Ashwagandha Experience to learn more about this study-backed branded ingredient.  


Microbiome Support

ADM was focusing on the gut/brain axis, which is a space that is primed for innovation and an area to watch in 2024. The company was educating on the synergies between prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics, and how these ingredients can be used to develop products that support a balanced gut microbiota ecosystem, nurturing the connection between gut health and overall well-being. ADM’s ES1 (Bifidobacterium longum CECT7347) has been shown to support a healthy gut, and it’s offered as a heat-treated postbiotic, so formulators don’t have to make adaptations for live colony forming units (CFUs). ADM also offers BPL1 (Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis CECT8145) probiotic and its heat-treated postbiotic counterpart, which target factors relevant to metabolic health, which is an important element to overall gut health. The company also recently launched an Active Lifestyle blend that incorporates ES1, BPL4 (Lactobacillus casei CECT 9104) and BPL15 (Lactobacillus rhamnosus CECT 8361). The blend has been shown to support biomarkers related to post-exercise oxidative stress, offering the potential to support exercise and recovery. Also from ADM: The spore-forming probiotic DE111(Bacillus subtilis) is shown to support immune function and digestive health.  

dsm-firmenich was on hand to spotlight its purpose-led innovation platforms to deliver solutions for gut support, cognitive performance, and women’s wellness. Interest in gut health is at an all-time high, and the company showcased its Health from the Gut platform with a goal of inspiring the next generation of dietary supplement solutions in the gut health arena. The company recently acquired postbiotics company Adare Biome, which expands its portfolio beyond the realms of human milk oligosaccharide (HMO) prebiotics and enzymes. "Initially, we’ll be leveraging a proprietary bacterial combination Humiome Post LB featuring L. fermentum and L. delbrueckii, developed via Adare Biome’s patented ECHO process," shared Penny Antonopoulos, Senior Director, Marketing & Business Development – NA HNC ."The blend has undergone over a century of investigation resulting in more than 40 scientific publications in the digestive and immune health realm. This new addition to our Health from the Gut portfolio unlocks the potential for unique combinations with other ingredients such as prebiotics, probiotics and enzymes in innovative and enjoyable formats."
dsm-firmenich also announced its partnership with Indena, ushering in a new 'Age of Nature' with co-innovations in botanical ingredients. The companies will bring together botanical benefits and micronutrient benefits for specific health areas including immunity, vision, brain health, women's health, healthy aging, and gut health.

Ingredients
 by Nature
 shared the news that it has received the publication of its newest clinical study demonstrating its patented citrus flavonoid blend, Eriomin, to improve the microbiota of prediabetic participants. The research, which was published in the Food Science & Nutrition Journal, demonstrated that Eriomin could attenuate intestinal dysbiosis. The 12-week double-blind, randomized-controlled clinical trial included male and female volunteers with prediabetes ages 30-69 years old. Study participants were given 200 mg/day of Eriomin or a placebo and instructed to maintain their usual diet. Two registered dietitians followed study participants during the trial period, and blood and fecal samples were collected at the beginning and end of the study.

FrieslandCampina Ingredients was spotlighting three innovations: Biotis Fermentis is a blend of whey, prebiotics, probiotics that now launching in U.S. It is ideal for active consumers and athletes who have gut issues, and works by modulating the gut microbiota composition. The company was educating on the role of the gut microbiome in overall well-being, as well as on the existence of the gut-muscle axis – a link between gut microbiota, muscle function, body composition and athletic performance. Also benefiting the microbiome, the company offers Biotis GOS, a galacto-oligosaccharide (GOS) rich ingredient. Studies show that GOS significantly increases the growth of Bifidobacteria in the gut of healthy adults, feeding healthy bacteria, and increases gut comfort.  People want a fun format, and the growth rate of gummies is huge, so this is a great option there, though it can also go into powders or pills, making it a versatile option.  FrieslandCampina also discussed its Plantaris range featuring Plantaris Pea Isolate 85 A and Plantaris Faba Isolate 90 A. As the experts noted, consumers want high quality nutrition, but if it doesn’t taste good they won’t come back. The Plantaris solutions are designed to overcome common formulation challenges associated with plant proteins, particularly the flavor off-notes of pea proteins, which consumers can find unappealing.


Active Aging / Sports Nutrition

TSI Group was sharing the news of its regulatory approval from Korea to market myHMB as a functional ingredient. The approval enables dietary supplements and functional foods made with myHMB to make a health claim on their labels about improving exercise performance. myHMB is currently the only HMB that can be sold in Korea, where it is distributed exclusively by Jupiter International. The branded ingredient has been shown to help improve exercise endurance by increasing maximal oxygen consumption and by lengthening the time to the onset of blood lactate accumulation. Earning approval as a functional ingredient was a rigorous and lengthy process, the company shared. The Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) required extensive safety and efficacy data as well as detailed information about TSI’s manufacturing processes. For a deeper dive, view the educational session Stronger for Longer: Combating Age-Related Muscle Loss, presented by TSI' Groups' Shawn Baier at the Naturally Informed educational conference Active Aging: Mastering the Market. The session is available to view on demand, and more information is available here.

Gencor displayed its branded offerings LibiFem and 4’Liver. LibiFem is a botanical shown to help enhance sports performance in female athletes. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study revealed that LibiFem improves muscle strength and lean muscle mass and reduces fat mass in exercising women. It optimizes hormone pathways by increasing estradiol levels, benefiting performance, menopausal symptoms, sexual health, and quality of life during menopause, the company shared. 4’Liver offers an innovative plant-based solution for liver health support, combining chebulic myrobalan fruit and East Indian globe thistle flower extracts, synergistically enhancing antioxidant effects. A published clinical trial demonstrated significant improvements in participants’ liver health markers, lipid profiles and overall health compared to a placebo. For more from Gencor, watch Biohacking Longevity with Supplements, presented by David Foreman, RPh, ND, at the Naturally Informed educational conference Active Aging: Mastering the Market. The session is available to view on demand, and more information is available here.

Bioiberica spotlighted new science behind its industry-first hyaluronic acid matrix ingredients. Experts discussed new research findings demonstrating the effect of Mobilee on muscle health, as well as the enhanced antioxidant properties of Dermial compared to traditional hyaluronic acid. The company also showcased its wider portfolio of scientifically backed ingredients for mobility and digestive health. For a deeper dive, watch Navigating the Golden Age of Mobility, presented by Daniel Martinez Puig, Ph.D., at the Naturally Informed educational conference Active Aging: Mastering the Market. The session is available to view on demand, and more information is available here.

AstaReal discussed the cardiometabolic benefits with AstaReal Astaxanthin, which is supported by 80 human clinical studies, including study led by Dr. Hunter Waldman at the University of North Alabama to lower heart rate and carbohydrate oxidation levels in overweight individuals during exercise following supplementation with 12 mg/day for four weeks. To learn more about the benefits of AstaReal Astaxanthin, watch How Natural Astaxanthin Can Enable Healthy Aging, presented by Karen Hecht, Ph.Dat the Naturally Informed educational conference Active Aging: Mastering the Market. The session is available to view on demand, and more information is available here.

PLT Health Solutions was updating show attendees on new clinical studies. The company's AprèsFlex 5-Day Joint Support was shown in a 6-month study to offer long-term and continuing benefits. It demonstrated joint space improvement and cartilage preservation and protection. Also from PLT: Nutricog Cognitive Performance Complex has been shown to benefit cognitive performance including faster learning, improved attention, better memory and reduced distractibility. And AlvioLife has been shown to improve lung function and aerobic exercise capacity at three weeks.

Artemis shared the latest clinical research supporting its premium European standardized extracts and applications for trending categories like active nutrition and E-sports. The line includes ElderCraft European Black Elderberry Extract, AroniaCraft European Aronia Extract, CurrantCraft European Black Currant Extract, and CherryCraft European Tart Cherry Extract. All of the company's craft extracts have a vertically integrated, controlled supply chain of raw materials, with dedication to sustainability and a gentle extraction process that does not use harsh chemical solvents. This enables Artemis to retain compounds that would otherwise be stripped away in the extraction process. Artemis also introduced its new custom, pre-mixed blends of phytonutrient-rich ingredients, botanicals, extracts, vitamins, and minerals for food and beverage formulators. The custom blends offer cost savings alongside convenience and superior accuracy to ensure the finished product meets its label claims, the company said. Blends can be formulated for a range of categories, from sports recovery and immune function to protein and energy. 

NutriOriginal launched its ingredient TurmiMax Bio, which is a synergistic phytochemical composition derived from turmeric rhizome, containing 95% water-dispersible curcuminoids. According to the company, this ingredient, which is known for sports nutrition and joint support, is 35x more bioavailability than standard curcumin, reducing the size and cost which translates to savings for the manufacturer. The ingredient is USDA Organic Certified, and there is a strong focus on sustainability, from the farmer to the finished ingredient. NutriOriginal is committed to sustainable agriculture and traditional harvesting without chemicals. The company's fields are assigned to local cooperative farmers who are trained on organic agricultural practices to grow and harvest fruits, vegetables and other plants in a chemical-free environment. The company also sponsors the farmers' children with grants for schooling, clothing, and other essentials.

The team from Arla Foods Ingredients noted that there has not been a lot of innovation in the sports nutrition space—until now. The company demonstrated how whey solutions can be used to create clear protein shakes targeting a range of consumer segments. The company showcased three new clear whey powder concepts. Go Premium is a clear shake that targets performance nutrition consumers seeking next-gen products. It is based on Lacprodan BLG-100 (a pure beta-lactoglobulin) and is 45% higher in leucine than other whey proteins, making it a good option for boosting muscle protein synthesis post-workout. Go Natural, made with Lacprodan ISO.WaterShake (100% whey protein isolate), is a fruit-infused water shake that creates new opportunities for flavored waters. And Go Fresh is a shake made with Lacprodan ClearShake (100% whey protein isolate). Arla also exhibited a limited-edition version of its ‘Protein in Every Layer’ bar, which features high-quality whey and milk protein ingredients from the Lacprodan range to inspire manufacturers to take protein bars to the next level.

Bartek was highlighting two major trends in industry: electrolytes and taste modulation. The new brand Refortify offers a range of versatile electrolytes and fortification salts designed to meet the diverse needs of beverage, vitamin, mineral, and supplement manufacturers. The company has three ingredients under the Refortify brand: magnesium malate, mono sodium malate, and mono potassium malate. These ingredients can help address the electrolyte and mineral supplement needs of consumers in this fast-growing area. Applications include sports nutrition, sport RTDs, and more. Also from Bartek: Uplift Taste Modification Technology, a portfolio of products to enhance and modulate a formulation's existing flavors for brighter, fresher, juicer taste for beverages, gummies, and more.

Immune Support

Gnosis by Lesaffre was shining a light on the company's new MenaQ7 Protect, which features MenaQ7 K2 as MK-7 combined with vitamin C and three selected strains of probiotics. The immune-support solution is delivered in a convenient stick pack that can be poured directly into your mouth or mixed into a beverage. Vitamin K2 may play a multifaceted role in supporting the immune system, and the formula also supports bone and cardiovascular health. The company also showcased Brain-Quantum (BQ) Tablet, an exclusive Gnosis combination of Adonat Premium SAMe with Quatrefolic, as well as vitamin B12, to nurture, sustain, and protect brain functionality while helping to balance mood.  

Women's Health

IFF was focused on several top trending areas, including Women's Health, which is an underserved market that needs to be better cared for. IFF joined forces with GenM, which conducted a survey showing 87% of menopausal women feel overlooked and 97% believe that brands should do more to cater to this demographic. IFF offers solutions for menopause management  so brands can innovate in this market. In addition to menopause support, IFF showcased novel combination concepts targeted to more of today’s most in-demand health applications, including skin care, hydration, brain health, and gut health. On that front, Michael Courts, Business Development Manager at IFF, also spoke to another trend that is circulating right now: "GutTok"-- Influencers on social media talking about gut health. "The disconnect is, are these influencers educating the consumer correctly? I think some are, but not all. That could walk us backwards instead of forward, since that’s how a lot of people are getting their information right now." Companies like IFF are dedicated to educating the right way.

Sleep, Stress & Mental Wellness

KyowaHakko USA celebrated the 20th anniversary of its branded ingredient Cognizin, which is backed by more than 30 clinical studies"Reaching this 20-year milestone for Cognizin is a testament to our dedication to advancing brain health and cognitive function and reflects our relentless pursuit to be among the most trusted research-based branded ingredients through loyal customer innovation and dynamic collaboration strategies," said Gerard Adams, President and CEO at Kyowa Hakko USA. "We remain committed to pioneering research and developing high-quality ingredients like Cognizin to support mental clarity, focus, and attention for individuals of all ages." Fore more from the company, watch The Importance of Citicoline for Long-Term Brain Health & Memory Support, presented by Danielle Citrolo, Pharm, at the Naturally Informed educational conference Active Aging: Mastering the Market. The session is available to view on demand, and more information is available here.

Nutraland USA, Inc., a supplier of sustainable and natural ingredients, launched the branded ingredient Somato, a whole-food derived melatonin sourced exclusively from tomatoes. This ingredient offers an eco-friendly, natural alternative to synthetic melatonin for use in functional foods and dietary supplements. "Although the popularity of whole-food-derived nutrients has been growing exponentially, heretofore the natural products industry has relied primarily on synthetically produced melatonin for use in dietary supplements," said  Gene Bruno, Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) at Nutraland USA. "Now, with the introduction of Somato into the marketplace, Nutraland USA is able to offer the natural products industry a truly natural and sustainable, whole-food-derived melatonin from tomatoes." The company reported that the global market size for melatonin was $1.69 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $6.6 billion by 2032 (CAGR of 14.5%). In addition to delivering melatonin, Somato contains other beneficial compounds such as lycopene, is suitable for vegans and vegetarians and does not have  allergen or GMO concerns. It is sustainably and ethically sourced, Kosher and Halal certified, and complies with all applicable regulations.

Nutriventia was educating on an upcoming study for its sustained-release melatonin ingredient Melotime, which showcases how the gummy-ready, timed-release platform provides consumers with tangible benefits. Rajat Shah, Co-Founder, Nutriventia, shared: “When considering that most melatonin supplements are immediate-release (fully emptied), the consumer often does not obtain an all-night, eight-hour benefit. After years of development, Nutriventia launched Melotime for a specific sustained-release profile: 50% of the dose in the first hour followed by the release of the remainder at each one hour for seven hours.”  The company also was previewing research for its sports nutrition & joint health ingredient TurmXTRA, which delivers high-potency curcuminoids at a low dose. Research supports the efficacy of TurmXTRA’s efficacy at the recommended dosage, as well as the ingredient's benefits for joint and muscle health.

Heart Health

Nutrartis unveiled Cardiosmile, a supplement developed with natural plant sterols, in the U.S. The liquid format uses water-dispersible phytosterols for convenient daily heart health and cholesterol management. Cardiosmile limits cholesterol absorption due to the plant sterols’ structural resemblance to cholesterol, the company shared. This allows it to outcompete cholesterol for absorption in the digestive tract. Unlike traditional tablets or capsules, the liquid form offers many advantages in assimilation. Each box of Cardiosmile contains a 30-day supply of liquid stick packs with 1.4 g servings of beta-sitosterol and 2 g of total plant sterols. 

GC Rieber VivoMega, a Norwegian manufacturer of fish oils, shared the news that it has expanded into the algae oil market with a new line of vegan DHA Omega-3 concentrates derived from marine microalgae. The company has received the International V-Label certification for its new vegan products. Established in Switzerland in 1996, the V-Label certification has set a precise definition and criteria to classify products as vegan or vegetarian to ensure the quality and the origin of ingredients while allowing consumers to identify products quickly. VivoMega offers customers an alternative omega-3 solution rich in DHA.

Eye Health

OmniActive Health Technologies shared news of its "Lutein for Every Age" initiative. The company is spotlighting the importance of maintaining children's eye and brain health with the help of lutein and zeaxanthin. A parent survey conducted by OmniActive offers insights into the current landscape of children's diets and digital device usage. Key findings: The average child uses digital devices more than four hours daily. Six in 10 parents expressed regular concerns about their child's eye health, and while they prioritize it above other well-being needs, they are unfamiliar with ways to effectively support eye health. The survey also revealed that only 21% of parents provide their children with vitamins and supplements to protect their vision; 23% include fruits and vegetables rich in eye health vitamins and minerals in their diets. And while parents view carrots as the best fruit/vegetable for eye health (15%), the American Academy of Ophthalmology suggests dark leafy greens such as kale because of kale’s high concentration of lutein and zeaxanthin. “Through our 'Lutein for Every Age' initiative, we aspire to illuminate the path to healthier eyes and sharper minds for the next generation,” said Adam Adelmann, Chief Commercial Officer at OmniActive. “We want to inspire families with the knowledge and tools they need to build healthier futures for their children.”


Unibar Corporation announced the launch of patent-pending CapsiClear, the first capsanthin ingredient for eye health formulations. CapsiClear is a combination of carotenoids sourced from Capsicum annum, Indian red chilies, grown by contract cultivation in southern India. It is standardized to 50% capsanthin and works synergistically with zeaxanthin and cryptoxanthin to provide eye health benefits beyond what many other ingredients do, the company said. CapsiClear supports proper management of macular pigment density and helps to protect the eyes from the effects of blue light. Its key differentiators, according to two clinical studies, is that the capsanthin extract provides support for photostress recovery to help with eye fatigue, reading speed improvements over white and blue light, and helping to reduce intraocular pressure. 

Nutri-Beauty

PhytoGaia was educating on innovations in healthy aging and beauty products, with a focus on delivery formats appealing to both children and beauty enthusiasts. The company's Konjac Jelly generated buzz among potential collaborators due to its innovative delivery system, which can help refresh existing product lines. The appeal of Konjac jelly lies in its capacity to offer a low-calorie, high-nutrient alternative to traditional gummies, which the company says makes it an appealing choice for those seeking a delicious and nutritious supplement for children's diets or beauty routines. And the brand's Orally Dissolving Film (ODF) technology offers versatile applications in various oral and beauty products.

Horphag Research showcased its proprietary and branded ingredient offerings Pycnogenol French maritime pine bark extract, and Robuvit French oak wood extract. The brand welcomed industry colleagues and spoke to the scope of its research and applications spanning four decades and more than twelve applications including heart, skin, joints, sports, and cognition.

TriNutra the supplier of the first cold-pressed Nigella sativa oil standardized to 3% thymoquinone with low free fatty acids (<1.25%) announced that its ingredient ThymoQuin now has the Thailand Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) approval as a novel food to be sold in dietary supplements in the region. TriNutra’s proprietary black seed oil branded ThymoQuin had to pass the standards of the Thai Ministry of Public Health as a Novel food for supplement and show its quality and stability to comply with the ministry’s quality standards. The TFDA was established under the Ministry of Public Health to protect public health and consumer rights. It oversees the manufacturing, import, and distribution of regulated products to ensure they comply with strict safety and quality standards. The company also discussed ThymoQuin’s oral health applications and how it compared to brands such as Listerine, as well as B’utyQuin’s latest research on its ability to aid in acne-prone skin.

Weight Management

Layn Natural Ingredients was at the show discussing findings of a new human clinical study that demonstrates the efficacy of its ingredient SophorOx in reducing oxidative stress and supporting weight management. The two-month study looked at 50 overweight or obese adults aged 18-40 years with a sedentary lifestyle. Subjects underwent daily oral administration of SophorOx at an equivalency of two 500-mg capsules/day. The results demonstrated a significant reduction in oxidative stress, as well as with significant improvements in weight management and quality of life. Jim Roza, Chief Scientific Officer at Layn, shared: "Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation are known to play a role in a number of health issues and reducing oxidative stress can help support the body across various metabolic functions. This study underscores the potential of SophorOx as a powerful antioxidant that can effectively reduce oxidative stress, with significant implications for overall health and well-being. The ingredient supports diverse groups, including overweight individuals, those with sedentary lifestyles, aging populations and even pets.

Clean label, sustainability & delivery system innovations

The team at Lonza was showcasing the company’s portfolio of Capsugel liquid-filled capsule dosage form technologies, sharing clinical insights designed to inspire distinctive, efficacious, and appealing supplement solutions. The Capsugel portfolio delivers the clean-label, plant-based options consumers are seeking now. "Form and function" was a focus Lonza's goal is to help brands overcome challenges associated with capsule powder fills by better matching preparation to equipment. Another key takeaway from the Lonza booth is that people don't want a laundry list of supplements they want one pill that includes a mix of ingredients that can deliver a variety of benefits, and Lonza's delivery system options make it possible for brands to offer that while ensuring quality and stability. Lonza also showcased the latest research on its UC-II undenatured type-II collagen, which is clinically proven to improve joint flexibility and reduce joint discomfort in a small, once-daily, easy-to-swallow 40-mg dose.

Balchem was showcasing functional ingredients that work in a range of applications, including bars, RTD beverages, soups, sauces, ice cream and more. A major takeaway: Consumers are looking for clean label, vegan, and plant-based options. And increasingly, they are tired of taking pills and want to get their nutrition through food. Balchem offers ingredients that are designed to provide a nutritional benefit while also enhancing the consumer's experience, delivering on mouthfeel, visual appeal, taste, shelf stability and more. In the spotlight at SSW: VitalBlend MCT 7202 NG, a highly functional palm oil powder that enhances texture, flavor, and provides a good source of energy and well-being in food, beverage, and nutraceutical applications; VitalBlend Pea Organic 5023, an organic vegan powder made from palm oil and pea protein that offers versatility for various uses, including plant based beverages and vegan cheese; RICHMIX 480, a sunflower oil powder created for ready-to-mix powdered beverages that offers opacity, texture, hot/cold water solubility and serves as a dairy alternative; and RICHMIX 3807, a cold liquid-soluble powder that enhances iced coffee, smoothies, and frozen desserts, delivering rich, creamy mouthfeel.

Specnova was on the show floor to educate on liposomal technology. The company is focused on proving that its liposomal technology truly delivers. Its LipoVantage advanced liposomal technology for vitamin C has been shown to dramatically increase stability in the body, which in turn increases the amount of vitamin C available to be absorbed by the body, resulting in increased benefits to the consumer. Research supports this: In a head-to-head comparison with a leading liposomal brand in the marketplace, Specnova’s LipoVantage technology delivered 30% more vitamin C to the small intestines (LipoVantage delivered 405 mg of C; the other brand's liposomal C delivered 290 mg). In a separate randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled human study, LipoVantage Vitamin C was 27% more bioavailable than non-liposomal Vitamin C. The company's approach is to tweak formulations to make the liposome stronger and more stable. The benefits of liposomal technology done right, said Sebastian Balcombe, Specnova Founder and CEO"You can feel the ingredient and it becomes a superstar. Take something that works well like berberine with terrible bioavailability…make that 2x or 3x more bioavailable and imagine the benefits."

Aker BioMarine was educating on the health and liver connection, and also showcasing PL+ by Aker BioMarine, a technology platform utilizing the potential of phospholipids from krill oil (PL’s) as a unique delivery platform. Phospholipids are both water and fat soluble, so they act as an emulsifier and can create micelles for a maximum surface area for improved absorption for low-solubility and low-permeable substances, the company explained. Combining PL’s with ingredients that have lower bioavailability and absorption rates into the body (such as curcumin, CoQ10, CBD, lutein and certain omega sources), works to boost and enhance the uptake of the ingredients up to 25 times. This makes it possible to innovate with new cost-effective supplements.

Kerry reported that beverages are booming. There's a shift, with a blurring of the line of format as beverages go more into functional space, delivering benefits like supplements. The global functional beverage market alone is projected to grow at 10.49% annually, reaching $200 billion by 2026, the company shared. In the U.S., the functional beverage market is worth $38 billion. Post-COVID consumers demand quality: 76% of consumers who prioritized functional and fortified products also research the ingredients that go into those products; 33% of consumers place importance on science-backed ingredients in these products, and 86% say they would pay a premium for food and beverages with added functional benefits. Kerry focuses on meeting consumers' desire for function that tastes good by pairing the flavor profile to work synergistically with benefit/need state, so the consumer perceives the flavor as beneficial. And to ensure that the end products deliver, Kerry offers science-backed branded ingredients, including Sensoril and Wellmune.

Cargill was discussing its SimPure soluble rice flour, a label-friendly alternative to maltodextrin. Traditional rice flours aren’t very soluble, the company explained, especially when compared to the fully soluble nature of maltodextrin. Cargill's scientists developed the first highly soluble rice flour, giving formulators an easy, label-friendly replacement for maltodextrin in reduced-sugar bakery products, as well as dairy, powdered beverages, convenience foods, sauces and dressings, snacks, cereals and bars, seasoning mixes, flavor carriers and more. The company also shared the latest advances in its sugar-reduction portfolio, EverSweet + ClearFlo, a stevia-enhancing technology. When ClearFlo, a botanical extract, is combined with EverSweet, it delivers improved flavor performance, mouthfeel, dissolution and solubility, which the Cargill team says is ideal for applications that require a higher concentration of stevia. This includes carbonated soft drinks, energy drinks, fruit concentrates, dairy, coffee or beverage syrups, and more. 

Icon Foods was also showcasing sweeteners. CEO and Chief Food Scientist Thom King discussed the company's latest natural sweeteners, fibers and zero sugar ingredients. Products like MonkSweet+ make it possible to reduce sugar. The proprietary blend of steviol glycosidesmonk fruit extract, and erythritol masks off notes and creates a low-cal sweetening solution that makes it possible for formulators to remove or reduce added sugar in beverages, sauces, dairy products, confections, and more. Plus it is non-GMO and kosher, and can be used to support a clean label claim. Icon Foods specializes in Ketogenic, Diabetic, Paleo, and Sugar-Free product solutions, so there is a wide variety of options for brands' sweetening needs.

ICL Food Specialties was at the show talking about its collab with Plantible, offering ingredients for the plant based protein market. The partnership led to the launch of ROVITARIS, a clean label binding technology solution for plant-based meat and seafood applications. In the past, the companies explained, brands turned to synthetic binders. But as the experts noted, we can’t evolve the food system to be more sustainable while asking people to compromise on taste and values. This new protein system can replace most chemically processed binders in plant-based and seafood formulations without compromising on taste and texture, so brands can have a cleaner label. The ingredient is designed with Rubi Protein RuBisCO, and can enhance nutritional qualities, has low allergenicity, and offers superior binding and gelling properties. 

Global Organics displayed its organic, non-GMO, and fair trade ingredients, including cane sugar (granulated, liquid, invert, brown, powdered), sweeteners, chocolate and cocoa products, caramel products, coconut products and fruit and vegetable concentrates, purees, dried and IQF. The company described its long-term relationships with suppliers who share its commitment to quality, consistency, and sustainability. Its products are audited to GFSI standards and major vendors are BRC rated.

Sempera Organics shared its certified standardized organic mushroom ingredients and products from its vertically integrated, zero-waste lab farm. From carefully crafted standardized powders, extracts, and blends for a variety of wet and dry applications, to a smarter, more reliable, and planet-friendly way of growing mushrooms in the high-tech lab farm, to a streamlined purchase process. The brand shared its powders of pure mushroom species, proprietary blends, and extracts available in bulk quantities ranging from 1 Kg to 1000 Kgs. 

MycoTechnology shared the power of its mushroom mycelia, and described how the brand helps chefs and R&D professionals make delicious eats that enrich lives around the globe. MycoTechnology shared its solutions for solving business challenges, ranging from its flavor clarifiers to bitter blockers and plant-based proteins. The brand described its ClearIQ bitter blocker and flavor clarifier product and its FermentIQ plant protein from mycelia.

And more science and innovation! 

Read our previous SupplySide West coverage for more of the industry companies that exhibited and educated at SSW, including Bright Pharma Caps, BGG, Brightseed, Clasado, Ethical Naturals Inc., Euromed, DolCas Biotech, LLC, Kaneka NutrientsMaolac, Natures Crops, Novozymes OneHealth, Nuherbs, NutriLeads, OptiBiotix Health, Probiotical, and more!

PLUS: Honoring an Industry Leader

The International Probiotics Association (IPA) held a ceremony for its first annual Lifetime Achievement Award, which was given to Jarrow Rogovin, who founded PA, and also founded Jarrow Formulas in 1977. Thank you for your outstanding contributions to the Probiotics Industry. In his acceptance speech, Rogovin urged: "Stay with the science. Prove the counts used are appropriate. Continue to explore the complexity of the microbiome and its effects. Expand the understanding of the scope of what constitutes probiotics. This will also mean engaging actively if not aggressively with the Food and Drug Administration of the U.S. and the regulatory agencies around the world. This will mean dedicating staff, time and money beyond the bottom line of immediate profitability. It will mean working with academics and clinicians. Educating the public, lobbying legislators. In other words, engaging in the very same endeavors as I did in my 43 years in the dietary supplement industry."

Looking ahead to SupplySide East 2024

SupplySide East will be held in Secaucus, NJ, April 16-17, 2024. More than 250 exhibitors are expected. Registration will open in December. For more information visit supplysideshow.com.