Culinology - June 2020 - 14

CLEAN label

The coronavirus
may affect how
consumers link their
personal well-being
to the safety and
wholesomeness
of the foods they
consume.
©Kzenon - stock.adobe.com

14 |

Culinology | JUNE 2020

to ensure it. Such concerns may affect food
choices in the future.
"If you had to make a hierarchy of what
people are hearing now about personal
health it would be social distancing, wear
a mask and wash your hands," she said.
"Those are the top priorities now.
"But as time goes on people may ask what
they can do to help their own health? That
will include diet, exercise and sleep, and that
could affect the foods they choose."
At the same time consumers may
become more concerned about their health
and safety, many may also face financial
hardships as an economic recession of
undetermined length takes hold. This may
affect how committed some consumers are
to their personal definition of clean label.
"There is a really giant segment of
consumers who are or are going to be very
cost conscious," Dr. Cheatham said. "This
means there will be some forgiveness around
how clean is clean.
"If a product has different types of
gums, emulsifiers or flavoring agents, they
may be OK with that. The cost factor will
outweigh other considerations. Products
will need to get through the hurdles of

taste and cost. Clean label will no longer
be a top entry point, because of
financial considerations."
Ingredient companies and
industry service providers have
invested in technologies that
align with consumer interest
in products that fit their
perception of clean and
safe. This past April,
the ingredient supplier
Kerry, which has its
US headquarters in
Beloit, Wis., acquired
two companies that
management said
expanded its "clean label
food protection capabilities."
IsoAge Technologies, Athens,
Ga., and Biosecur Lab Inc.,
Mont Saint-Hilaire, Que., were
the two companies.
IsoAge is a supplier of antimicrobial
ingredients and natural flavorings.
The company also offers vinegar-based
flavor systems, fruit and vegetable juices
and purees, organic sweeteners, green
tea extracts, decorticated flours and
hydrocolloid gums. BioSecur Lab offers a
range of citrus-based functional ingredients
for food and beverage products.
"We see COVID-19 and its impact on
food choice and availability leaving a lasting
impression in consumers' minds," said
Emma Cahill, senior strategic marketing
manager of food protection at Kerry. "Today,
campaigns about 'no contact delivery'
are offering clear comfort. Into the future,
communication of measures taken to keep
natural, artisanal products safe will be a new
way of building trust and reducing concern
as we transition back into our new normal."
Both acquired companies offer portfolios
that inhibit growth of pathogens and
spoilage organisms in products without
artificial preservatives, according to Kerry.
"These acquisitions and expansion of our
food protection portfolio solidifies Kerry's
position as a leader in clean label food
protection," said Neil Cracknell, CEO of
applied health and nutrition at Kerry. "When
we combine IsoAge Technologies' natural
and sustainable food safety solutions with
Biosecur Lab's natural citrus extract-based
Culinology - June 2020

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