Archer Daniels Midland : Expanding the portfolio “naturally”–new tailor-made WFSI concepts reflect current trends

HEIDELBERG-EPPELHEIM, September 26, 2016 - WILD Flavors & Specialty Ingredients (WFSI), a business unit of Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM), will be at SIAL in Paris, where it will present a wide range of ingredients and concepts for new natural products across multiple categories and segments.

Trends come and go, but sometimes they take root and set new standards. The idea of 'natural' products, for example, has made its mark upon nearly every industry in many regions around the world. At SIAL in Paris, WFSI is presenting a multi-faceted portfolio that satisfies the popular demand for natural beverages and foods. In doing so, it also takes into account the very different attributes that individual consumers link to natural products. At the trade fair, the company is sharing its innovative concepts, which are a perfect match for a variety of trends. WFSI's experts will present solutions for the entire beverage market as well as for foods, dairy products, baked goods and confectionery. Additionally SIAL visitors can experience delightful products from WFSI's foodservice portfolio.

Brilliant colors, magnificent flavors
Coloring foodstuffs are now increasingly growing in relevance alongside flavors. As far as possible consumers want short lists of ingredients with no E-numbers. 'The principle WILD Flavors has always followed is now influencing markets around the world. The idea of natural products is the key to popular innovative concepts. Natural ingredients have become the new standard,' says Jochen Heininger, Vice President Marketing and Product Management EMEA, WFSI. In Paris, the company is demonstrating its expertise in colors with its wide selection of bright and beautiful applications. The coloring foodstuffs of the WFSI Rainbow Range can be used in a broad spectrum of different beverage categories as well as confectionery products such as jellies.

In addition, the company is offering a number of aromatic samples at the trade-fair booth. SIAL visitors can look forward to trying delicacies such as delicious Fruit&Veggie drinks or new hints of freshness with mint.

A vegan diet as a trend in society
Many consumers associate a diet that is free from animal products with a natural way of eating, whether for ethical reasons or because of health benefits. And the current boom in demand does not only come from vegans and vegetarians. 'Flexitarians' who only occasionally eat meat are a growing market for food manufacturers. WFSI offers vegan concepts for different categories within this large growth market. At the fair, for example, WFSI is presenting innovative soft drinks with isolated soy protein as well as new concepts for crisps, cereals and bars.

Proteins shifting over time
Protein beverages and foods based on plants are by no means only appealing to vegans, vegetarians or high-performance athletes. There is more and more demand for products that are good for our well-being and contain functional ingredients. At SIAL, the WFSI team will be sharing complete solutions that reflect current trends and harmoniously combine fruit and soy. They will also present plant-based protein innovations for bars and snacks, ice-cream desserts and soft drinks with isolated soy protein. WFSI has developed contemporary concepts for the dairy industry. One highlight: ancient grains such as quinoa, which is currently undergoing a renaissance in the food industry.

Craft products, 'naturally' produced
The way consumers interpret the concept of 'natural' food can be expanded even wider. The current craft-beer movement has drawn attention to other products that people view as the result of honest artisan manufacturing - in other words, as authentic and natural in the broadest sense of the word. In keeping with this development, WFSI has applied the craft-beer character to beer-mix beverages. In Paris, it is proud to feature new concepts with especially well-balanced nuances of hop flavors.

Sweetening with a clear conscience
Products are not only supposed to be 'natural' and manufactured with trusted products; many of them need to be low-sugar or low-calorie as well. Sugar consumption is a topic of ongoing public discussion, and it is frequently the focus of criticism. In many countries, legislation has been drafted with the purpose of lowering sugar consumption, such as the 'soft-drink tax' in Great Britain. As a result, there is more demand for sugar alternatives than ever before. WFSI is presenting the next generation of sweetening solutions, and its trade-fair portfolio includes new concepts for products such as low-sugar beverages and toppings.

Visit WFSI at SIAL 2016: Halle 5C, Booth 5C E206