SupplySide West 2012, which took place Nov. 5-9 at The Venetian & Sands Expo in Las Vegas, was the biggest show yet, according to show officials. The five-day event also included a two-day trade show that boasted an 11 percent increase in attendees to approximately 11,000 people from 64 countries, and a 9 percent increase in booths to approximately 1,462 booths.
The trade show opened with a BASF Corp.-sponsored keynote speech by Ronald J. Lewis, chief procurement officer of The Coca-Cola Co., Atlanta. Lewis touched on the value and recognition of the Coca-Cola brand and the challenges the company faces in terms of supply chain sustainability and keeping up with consumer and environmental needs.
Describing the company’s goals to double its products portfolio, refresh the world, inspire happiness, create value and make a difference in the world, Lewis noted that Coca-Cola is rising to the challenge to continue to innovate and evolve sustainably in a world with finite natural resources. In recent years, the company has merged with other brands like Zico, Honest Tea and Fuze to stay on top of the latest beverage trends and bring together industry experts. He also noted that Coca-Cola works to bring “disruptive innovation” to the marketplace by introducing new technology to the world, such as its FreeStyle fountain machine, which offers more than 100 product choices.
While expanding its portfolio and staying on top of the latest trends, Lewis also noted Coca-Cola’s goal to operate sustainably. Quoting a statistic that 76 percent of consumers say they purposely purchase environmentally sustainable products, he noted that The Coca-Cola Co. invested approximately $600 million to reduce energy use in its supply chain. For example, the company has introduced a hybrid electric truck fleet, is working to reduce its water and energy footprint, and has begun to use solar energy. With a history of assessing the lifecycle of its packaging dating back to the 1960s, Coca-Cola also has worked to enhance its environmental sustainability through innovations like eKOfresh beverage coolers that use carbon dioxide to keep products cold, Smart Logic cooler systems that track popular traffic times and reduce energy use during off-peak times, and its PlantBottle made of Brazilian sugar cane and sugar cane waste, Lewis says. He also noted that the company plans to continue to increase its sustainability as it evolves to meet market demand.
The event also included 118 hours of BASF-sponsored education sessions covering market insights for the dietary supplement, food and beverage, and cosmetic and personal care industries.
The following are highlights of some of the beverage-related companies that exhibited at SupplySide West:
AIBMR Life Sciences Inc., Puyallup, Wash., offered information about its experience in full-service natural products and nutraceutical consulting, highlighting its product development, regulatory compliance, technical writing, analytical and specialty research services.
AIDP Inc., City of Industry, Calif., highlighted its EnVantec microencapsulation process that uses starch-based microbeadlets without animal-based gelatins, preservatives and genetically modified ingredients to provide a heat-stable environment for bio-actives in clear beverage applications.
ADM Natural Health & Nutrition, Decatur, Ill., showcased its Clarisoy transparent soy protein product for low- and neutral-pH beverages. The ingredient can supply protein in a beverage with a pH as low as 4 without curdling, the company says. It also promoted its Cardioaid IP Phytosterols, which is water-dispersible and suitable for use in dairy beverages to promote heart health, it says.
ADM/Matustani LLC, Decatur, Ill., offered samples of its Fibersol product in a peach-flavored effervescent energy beverage mix. Fibersol can be mixed into beverages to provide dietary fiber and increased satiety, the company says.
Ajinomoto North America Inc., Itasca, Ill., highlighted its Advantame flavor enhancer, a sugar substitute that allows beverage-makers to reduce calories and cost. It also works as a masking agent, the company says. To demonstrate potential uses for Advantame, Ajinomoto offered samples of an orange-flavored beverage and a chocolate protein shake with Advantame.
Allen Flavors Inc., Edison, N.J., showcased three new product lines: its Tea Essentials line, a specially selected blend of tea essences designed to offer a range of full flavor tea profiles; its Natural Vanilla WONF and Natural French Vanilla Type organic vanilla flavors; and its multifaceted tropical flavors Natural Guava Passionfruit Coconut, Natural Orange Peach Mango, Natural Orange Pineapple Ginger WONF, Natural Mango Passionfruit Type, Natural Orange Mango WONF, Natural Orange Mango Passionfruit Type and Natural Guava Coconut Type. These products are suitable for tea, functional beverages and energy shot applications, the company says.
Aloecorp, Seattle, promoted its line of liquid and powder aloe ingredients made from the inner filet (gel) and purified whole aloe leaf.
BASF Corp., Florham Park, N.J., the official education sponsor of the show, supported multiple special events at SupplySide West, including three days of educational sessions; the keynote speech by Ronald J. Lewis of Atlanta-based The Coca-Cola Co.; presentations about the heart-health benefits of sterols and phytosterols, sustainability, and trends in nutrition and innovation; and a cocktail celebration in honor of the 100th anniversary of the vitamin. At its booth, BASF offered samples of its Newtrition line including a Shape to Go Tonalin shot for weight management and retaining lean muscle mass, featuring 3 grams of Tonalin CLA in each 2-ounce shot; a watermelon-flavored Jet Pack energy drink with caffeine anhydrous granular, calcium D-pantothenate ( vitamin B5) and vitamin B12; and a Cool at Heart sterol slushy with Vegapure F 40 WDP E, beta-carotene, 400 mg of plant sterols and 50 percent of the recommended daily value of vitamins A and E in each 4-ounce serving. Each of these products addresses consumer desires for health benefits and convenience in their products. The company also premiered its retail-ready, Evolve naturally flavored protein shakes shaped by Cytosport’s Muscle Milk in Vanilla Crème and Chocolate varieties. Each 8.25-ounce, 110-calorie shake contains 12 grams of protein, fiber, 20 vitamins and minerals, stevia, monk fruit, cane sugar and Tonalin.
Beneo Inc., Morris Plains, N.J., promoted healthy snacking at SupplySide West by offering samples of iced coffee sweetened with Palatinose, Beneo’s slow-release carbohydrate that is derived from sugar beet and provides sustained energy, endurance and performance. It also noted that Palatinose was selected as the carbohydrate ingredient for Nth Degree Low GI performance drinks.
BI Nutraceuticals (BI) offered samples of green tea ginger ale beverages in honor of its 35th anniversary. The beverage contains BI’s green tea extracts, which are available in powder form in both caffeinated and decaffeinated versions and offer epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), polyphenols and catechin.
Bioenergy Life Science Inc., Minneapolis, offered information about the different uses of caffeine-alternative Ribose as a sports nutrition ingredient to enhance and restore energy and gave out samples of a liquid energy rehydration drink that contains 300 mg of Ribose in each 2-ounce serving. Brand ambassadors and triathletes Greg and Laura Bennett, decathlete Bryan Clay and rower Susan Francia promoted the brand at the company’s booth and talked about the effect Bioenergy Ribose has on their workout regimens.
Biothera, Eagan, Minn., focused on the safety, efficacy and health benefits of its Wellmune WGP product. Wellmune WGP is scientifically proven to activate immune cells and has been found to reduce cold and flu symptoms and respiratory infections as well as prevent the immune system suppression that commonly occurs after intense exercise, the company says. Highlighting the company’s recent focus on sports nutrition, it also promoted that Wellmune WGP is now an ingredient in Take5ive Energy +Immunity shots in Singapore. The company also offered samples of Lassonde Specialties Orange and Black Currant Elderberry juices with Wellmune WGP’s immune health benefits.
Blue California, Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif., highlighted two of its natural sweeteners: BlueSweet, a GRAS-certified sweetener derived from monk fruit, and Good & Sweet, a natural stevia extract with zero calories. It also promoted its L-Tea Active crystalline powder, which can be mixed with water to provide natural L-theanine, which can induce relaxation, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve mental alertness, the company says.
Cargill Inc., Minneapolis, featured a variety of prototypes and finished products that demonstrate various Cargill applications and ingredients. Highlighting research that shows glucosamine’s role in promoting joint and tissue health, it offered a Bluberry Acai-flavored Joint Juice drink mix, which featured glucosamine chondroitin. It also offered samples of Mango White Tea Stix with Oliggo-Fiber inulin, a natural, soluble fiber that helps promote digestive health. The sample blended white tea and mango flavors and Truvia zero-calorie sweetener.
California Custom Fruits & Flavors (CCFF), Irwindale, Calif., highlighted its flavor capabilities for energy and relaxation beverages. It offered samples of a Peak Performance energy shot featuring CCFF Energy Type Natural Flavor and 15 calories in each 2-ounce serving as well as a Tranquility relaxation shot featuring CCFF Relaxation Type Natural Flavor and 15 calories in each 2-ounce serving.
Carmi Flavor & Fragrance Co. Inc., Commerce, Calif., showcased its flavors by offering samples of Granita, an Italian-style slushie, in Orange and Lemon flavors.
Chr. Hansen Inc., Hoersholm, Denmark, featured its FruitMax range of preservative-free, minimally processed natural colors derived from fruit and vegetable juices as well as its Ultra-Stable Reds line derived from vegetables.
ColorMaker Inc., Anaheim, Calif., offered information about industry trends toward natural colors and highlighted its work with colored alcohol beverages including pink tequila and purple vodka.
Cyvex Nutrition Inc., Irvine, Calif., distributed samples of an organic 2 percent milk fortified with OmegaPure marine omega-3 fish oil, which is a source of EPA, DHA and DPA fatty acid chains for cellular, brain, vision, immune and cardiovascular health. It also highlighted its Solathin vegetarian protein extract made from potatoes that supports healthy weight management by curbing appetite and increasing satiety.
David Michael & Co., Philadelphia, debuted samples of a Berry veggie-fruit beverage with 25 percent coconut water and David Michael’s Natural Flavor Mixed Berry Type, Natural Raspberry Flavor WONF, and Natural Flavor Fresh Type.
True to Las Vegas style, Fortitech Inc., Schenectady, N.Y., drew visitors to its booth by offering free, professional blackjack lessons to give visitors a little extra luck during their stay in Nevada. Visitors also were treated to samples of Fortitech’s citrus-flavored effervescent tablets for weight management, which can be mixed into 8-ounce servings of water for a dose of vitamins B1, B2, B6 and B12, niacin, pantothentic acid and chromium. In addition, Fortitech showcased its market-ready Power Cap powdered dosing solutions. The dosing caps are designed to fit most water bottles and add a burst of flavor, vitamins, minerals and functional benefits, such as relaxation or fatigue relief, with just a push on the cap.
Dairy Farmers of America, Springfield, Mo., offered information about its retort low-acid beverage process, which sterilizes products inside the can to make them shelf stable.
Döhler-Milne Aspetics, Prosser, Wash., attended SupplySide West for the first time this year. At the show, it offered samples of a Cucumber White Tea low-calorie prototype that contains 15 percent juice and 15 calories for each 8-ounce serving. It also highlighted its customer-driven product line, unique formulation capabilities, bulk aseptic packaging and custom products.
Draco Natural Products Inc., San Jose, Calif., highlighted its line of nutrient-dense, bioactive botanical ingredients for functional beverages. Draco’s ingredients are processed in a certified organic facility and can deliver benefits such as energy; immunity; lung, blood, liver, kidney, bladder, stomach and bone health; relaxation; weight management; and allergy and sinus relief.
DSM Nutritional Products LLC, Parsippany, N.J., demonstrated the flexibility of B vitamins, which dissolve clearly in water, through samples of cucumber-mint-flavored Sana Water, which features a blend of its resveratrol ingredient ResVida, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals for rejuvenation and replenishment. It also showcased its Fruitflow tomato-based product for healthy blood circulation in a cranberry-juice-based beverage.
Flavorchem, Downers Grove, Ill., showcased its line of natural, organic and kosher flavors, masking flavors, compounded flavors, emulsions, extracts, dry blending capabilities, and color, vitamin and nutraceutical blending capabilities. It also offered samples of its green tea extract, which was fortified with Flavorchem’s Focus Vitamin Blend and naturally sweetened with stevia.
Flavor Producers, Valencia, Calif., featured its Trü Brüz natural flavoring system that contributes brewed beverage flavors such as tea, cocoa and coffee to beverages in liquid, water-soluble essence, extract and flavor forms. It also highlighted its organic Peelz dry flavoring system made from dehydrated orange peels that adds a citrus flavor to teas and coffees.
FutureCeuticals Inc., Momence, Ill., promoted its new ElevATP, which is a proprietary, 100 percent soluble, cold-water extract of trace minerals in a proprietary blend with a water-ethanol extract of apple. It also promoted its Neurofactor product, which is made from the whole fruit of the coffee plant and has been shown to offer important benefits for healthy aging. Neurofactor also has been shown to aid in learning, memory, alertness, controlling body weight and energy metabolism, the company says.
Ganeden Biotech Inc., Mayfield Heights, Ohio, announced that it is launching an instant probiotic coffee with Tipton Mills, Buffalo, N.Y., that supports digestive and immune health. It also announced that it received U.S. Food and Drug Administration Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status for its GanedenBC30 probiotic ingredient. In addition, it highlighted research that demonstrated the immunity benefits of GanedenBC30 and its use in preventing the recurrence of C. difficile-induced infection, a common cause of health-care associated diarrhea and colitis.
Glanbia Nutritionals, Fitchburg, Wis., offered samples of BevWise A-101WS, which is a whey and soy protein solution for high-acid ready-to-drink beverages. The product was mixed into a high-acid beverage sample to show the clarity, neutrality and light taste of the whey protein. It also offered samples of its Energy and Superfruit Punch with Carnipure for sustained energy, VitaCholine for athletic recovery, and PepForm 2:1:1 BCAA Peptides for an amino acid boost to showcase how this blend complements ready-to-drink beverages.
GNT USA Inc., Tarrytown, N.Y., offered application support and demonstrated how to use its Exberry natural liquid color ingredients made from fruits and vegetables in liquid products. It also debuted its powdered colors for powder beverage applications.
Gold Coast Ingredients Inc., Commerce, Calif., promoted its portfolio of natural and certified-organic flavors for food and beverage applications.
Gum Technology Corp., Tucson, Ariz., showcased its line of gums for the food and beverage industries.
Hilmar Ingredients, Hilmar, Calif., highlighted its Hilmar 9420 Whey Protein Isolate in Lemon Iced Tea and Lemon Coconut Water beverages. Hilmar 9420 is heat stable and suitable for use in juices, other acidic beverages and in a range of pasteurization procedures, the company says.
Ingredion Inc., Westchester, Ill., offered samples of a berry-flavored, reduced-sugar energy drink that is naturally sweetened and contains 80 mg of caffeine in each serving, B vitamins, and Ingredion’s Nutriose FM 06 soluble fiber; Aquamin soluble calcium matrix; Enliten TG Reb A stevia, a natural, plant-based sweetener; and Erysta erythritol.
Innophos Inc., Cranbury, N.J., promoted its functional phosphates for beverages, including its new VersaCal Clear, which is a soluble calcium for beverages. To showcase VersaCal Clear in action, it also offered samples of a lemon-flavored iced tea fortified with the ingredient to provide a source of calcium phosphate.
Interhealth, Benicia, Calif., showcased its Meratrim protein powder base system, which is made of a proprietary extract blend for weight management derived from Sphaeranthus indicus flower heads and Garcinia mangostana fruit rind. The product has been shown to reduce fat stores and help burn fat, and the powder form incorporates flavor, color, aroma and texture while minimizing nutraceutical degradation, the company says. It also distributed samples of Triple Berry Tempo powder sticks with UC-II, Interhealth’s joint health ingredient.
JK Sucralose Inc., Beijing, highlighted its Sucralose sweetener product, which is approximately 600 times sweeter than sugar by weight, offers heat stability as well as stability in both acidic and alkaline solutions, and contains no calories or carbohydrates, the company says.
Kerry Ingredients and Flavors, Beloit, Wis., offered samples of a Mocha Madness powdered nutritional beverage featuring Kerry Kreem creamer and Kerry Natural Café Mocha Type flavor as well as a Cookies and Cream powdered nutritional beverage featuring Kerry Kreem, chocolate cookie particulates, Kerry N&A White Chocolate Type Flavor and Kerry N&A Cookies & Cream flavors.
Kyowa Hakko USA, New York, promoted its Cognizin Citicoline and Sustamine products. Cognizin is an odorless, crystalline powder made of ribose, cytosine, pyrophosphate and choline that functions as an anti-aging ingredient that has been shown to help maintain normal cognitive function with aging, the company says. Sustamine is an odorless, white crystalline powder that contains L-Alanine and L-Glutamine, which have been shown to enhance the immune system and muscle protein synthesis and provide energy through gluconeogenesis, it says.
P.L. Thomas & Co. Inc., Morristown, N.J., showcased its natural food and beverage solutions, particularly its MegaNatural-BP grape seed extract, Satiereal and RhodioLife products. MegaNatural-BP is made from a special seed blend derived from unfermented red and white varietal wine grape seeds and has been shown to help support blood pressure levels that are already within a normal range and help support normal arterial function. Satiereal is a saffron-derived satiety ingredient that decreases sugar cravings, compulsive snacking and hunger between meals, thereby supporting healthy weight management. RhodioLife standardized extracts sourced from the Altai Mountains of Siberia support healthy biological responses necessary for healthy immune, cardio-pulmonary and endocrine systems, the company says.
Pom Wonderful LLC, Los Angeles, offered information about its 100 percent pomegranate juice concentrate, which is available in both liquid and powder forms. The all-natural, allergen-free concentrate has no added sugar, acid, colors, preservatives or flavors and has a shelf life of up to five years.
Roquette America Inc., Keokuk, Iowa, promoted its Nutriose soluble fiber for healthy beverages. Nutriose is a tasteless, completely soluble fiber that offers clinically proven prebiotic effects and can improve the flavor profile of high-intensity sweeteners, the company says.
Symrise Inc., Teterboro, N.J., highlighted its all-natural Symlife Mask inventory of masking agents. To showcase the difference masking agents can make in a beverage, it offered taste tests of a Vanilla soy-based protein beverage with and without the soy masker. It also highlighted some indulgence flavor options for beverages, including Tiramisu Temptation and Mint-Kissed Chocolate Decadence protein shakes, to showcase a ready-made solution with flavor and masking technology.
Synergy Production Laboratories, Moab, Utah, promoted the health benefits of green tea by offering samples of a Blueberry Hibiscus health beverage with green tea. According to Synergy, green tea contains antioxidants, polyphenols, natural plant compounds and flavonoids that can help lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, promote healthy skin, reduce belly fat, fight cancer and more.
Tate & Lyle, Decatur, Ill., showcased its Purefruit monk fruit extract, an all-natural, zero-calorie sweetening ingredient, and Nectresse, a 100 percent natural, no-calorie table-top sweetener made from monk fruit. Both products can be used to reduce calories while sweetening a beverage, the company says.
TIC Gums, White Marsh, Md., highlighted its gums portfolio.
Vegetable Juices Inc., Bedford Park, Ill., discussed the stealth health trend of sneaking servings of fruits and vegetables into low-calorie, low-sugar beverages. It also offered samples of a kids juice drink, a reconstituted cucumber juice and an organic Lemongrass Ginger beverage to show how well its vegetables juices, concentrates, micro-cut purees and blends perform in beverages.
Virginia Dare, Brooklyn, N.Y., offered samples of a tart cherry lemonade, which contains vitamins A, B6, B12, C, and E and features fresh tart cherry flavor blended with lemonade, in order to showcase finished beverage formulations and flavors.
Watson Inc., West Haven, Conn., said it used the tradeshow to meet with current and potential customers and showcase its custom nutrient premixes and micro-encapsulations.
Wild Flavors Inc., Erlanger, Ky., showcased its Colors from Nature flavor and color products in action through beverage samples of its Natural Cherry Flavor (red color blend), its Natural Peach Flavor (clear apo-carotenal emulsion purple potato color), its Natural Raspberry Flavor (red color blend) and its new Natural Bartlett Pear Flavor (beta carotene emulsion for color). It also offered samples of its Immunel immune health ingredient and Tegricel digestive health ingredient in beverages as well as unflavored and Natural-Orange-Tangerine-flavored samples of its orange blend Vegeceuticals vegetable extract to demonstrate the ingredient’s clean taste. In addition, Wild showcased its taste modification technology sweetness enhancers through its Sunwin Stevia Reb-A 60 product in a Harvest-Berry-flavored beverage and its Mint, Chocolate and Cinnamon flavors in a Dutch Chocolate Cinnamon Mint coffee.
The Wright Group, Crowley, La., demonstrated its blending capabilities by offering samples of a strawberry-flavored energy punch made from a dry energy nutritional premix with L-taurine, glucurolactone, inositol, vitamins and caffeine. It also offered samples of a tropical-fruit-flavored immunity drink made from a dry immunity nutritional pre-mix with vitamins and antioxidants.
Xsto Solutions LLC, Morristown, N.J., highlighted its specialty sales and marketing partners and products, including Hamari Chemicals Ltd., Osaka, Japan; Bioenergy Ribose; Pro-B Probiotic for gut and immune health; CarnoLife L-Carnosine for anti-aging and cognitive health; PepZinGI for digestive health; Pronova Pure Omega oil; Algatrium DHA oil; Vitamin K2 MK7 for heart and bone health; NiaXtend E-R Niacin for heart health; and Benfotiamine (B1) for blood glucose and circulatory support.
SupplySide West 2013 will take place Nov. 12 to 16, with the exhibit hall open Nov. 14 and 15, at The Venetian & Sands Expo in Las Vegas.
