Supply Side West, done and dusted. What an experience.
Whenever you attend a trade show of this magnitude, there’s still a little voice inside you that says, “I’ve seen it all. This will finally be the year that there’s nothing new for me to see.”
And then after the first 15 minutes of the expo floor that voice is utterly silenced.
It has been such a privilege to spend time with some of the greatest and most imaginative minds in the food industry, see the creation of new frontiers, and meet so many people who care just as much about the future of this industry as we do.
For anyone who didn’t have the opportunity to attend this year, we’ll catch you up on the most exciting new developments you can look forward to in the coming months.
Getting our caffeine fix with Java Power’s Coffee Bean Flour
Coffee enthusiasts, you’re in for a treat! We stumbled upon Coffee Bean Flour, and it tastes as good as it sounds.
Coffee culture is arguably one of the most openly embraced food trends of the past decade. And just when you thought things couldn’t get any more inventive, a brand like Java Power takes things to the next level.
Java Power’s Coffee Bean Flour was invented to preserve the nutritional and functional benefits of coffee while creating a valuable wheat alternative. By par-baking the beans instead of roasting them, coffee bean flour avoids the “green” taste of raw coffee beans and retains chlorogenic acid (CGA) antioxidants that modulate sugar metabolism and can assist with inflammation and cardiovascular disease.
Thanks to its antioxidant levels and 100% natural caffeine, finely milled coffee bean flour can be used as an alternative flour in baking, in energy supplements and capsules, and even in skincare products.
“This flour adds a genuine coffee kick to your recipes. It’s like having a barista in your kitchen, and we can’t wait to share this unique find with you.” Francisco Schiariti
Making a “macro” statement with Microsalt
MicroSalt – it’s all in the name. But this product packs anything but a “micro” punch. With salt granules that are 100 times smaller and contain less than 50% sodium than regular salt, it manages to offer twice the saltiness of regular salt. It’s amazing!
This 100% natural product is helping consumers and CPG producers cut down salt use and sodium intake without sacrificing the taste experience. Science, am I right?
“When we checked out the MicroSalt booth, we were wowed. MicroSalt is like nothing I’ve seen before. These super tiny salt grains melt on your tongue right away, giving you that salty kick with way less salt.” Eran Mizrahi
Taking insect protein to the next level with Divaks
The insect protein market has been gaining a lot of traction of late in the alternative protein sphere due to its sustainability, and Divaks is right on the frontlines with its fully automated, vertically integrated approach.
Divaks’ goal is to create top-quality insect-derived ingredients that tick all the boxes when it comes to nutrition and functional qualities. But what immediately clicked with us is the company’s commitment to developing high–quality insect protein ingredients adapted specifically to its customers’ needs.
That customer-centric approach is helping Divaks explore new ground, finding new applications for insect protein around every corner.
It’s not just a buzz, it’s a breakthrough. Divaks is changing the game by making insects a delicious and eco-friendly source of protein, and we’re excited to introduce you to this innovative, sustainable choice.
Redefining alternative protein with EverPro
EverPro is breaking barriers in the functional protein market, by overcoming taste and texture barriers like few other bands do. But what’s most impressive is their alternative protein source: brewers’ spent grain.
The upcycled barley that is used is a byproduct of beer production, so it’s in constant supply and still packed with natural antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins above and beyond its protein profile. It’s completely soluble with a water-like viscosity that makes it the ideal “silent partner” to performance and nutritional beverages.
The use of upcycled barley cuts down water use, food waste, and transport emissions, making it one of the most sustainable alternative protein sources available right now.
This is a company that really does live up to its tagline, “Protein Redefined”.
Exploring the benefits of spirulina with Yanchi
The Yanchi Yi Jian Biological Project is doing something truly unique, devoting its entire operation to exploring spirulina and its multifaceted applications and benefits of this alternative protein source and natural colorant.
The project produces 1,600 tons of spirulina powder annually, supporting sustainable growth in markets that range from food manufacturing to cosmetics to health supplements.
Their latest product introduction is Phycocyanin, a high antioxidant blue powder that is extracted from spirulina and helps with the immunity boosting and acts as a natural fluorescent colorant.
“Exploring Phycocyanin E6 was a revelation. Learning about the company’s commitment to natural products and their wide-ranging health benefits was truly eye-opening. Their dedication to natural goodness and the health advantages their products offer is something we can’t wait to share.” Aalap Patel
Exploring NuCicer’s “essential chickpea upgrade”
NuCicer offers its clients access to the world’s most extensive library of chickpea varieties … yep, there’s way more than one. As the company’s promotional material states, conventional chickpeas are the equivalent of white bread when compared to their more diverse and nutritionally rich counterparts (who in some cases pack 75% more protein than conventional chickpeas).
For food brands, the variants offer improved taste, texture, and nutrition, while farmers get to benefit from improved soil health, heat tolerance, and water-use efficiency. To sum it all up, NuCicer’s diverse range of chickpeas makes for better utility and extensive trait possibilities, opening the way for a whole new generation of food brands and farmers to explore new ground.
“We’re accustomed to the standard bean selections, but the moment we encountered this company’s extensive bean catalog, we were left in awe. It was a true ‘wow’ moment. We thought we knew beans, but this company’s vast array of options is mind-blowing. It’s like stepping into a bean wonderland.” Eran Mizrahi
Save the date with Food & Beverage Insider 2024 Content Calendar
To top it all off, Food & Beverage Insider’s 2024 Content Calendar is helping everyone in the ingredient industry, from wholesale importers and bulk suppliers to food manufacturers and health & skincare brands, become an active part of the latest developments.
In 2024, businesses can stay up to date with the latest developments through the monthly Digital Magazines and dig deep into industry-specific innovations with the series of monthly Product Development Guides. But maybe most importantly, the SupplySide Education Webinar Series will help participants dig deeper into a series of unique, industry-specific topics while taking part in the conversations that could change their business forever.
It’s a rare wonder for a global wholesale importer to be reminded of how little you’ve actually seen in the world, and even greater privilege to know that you’re going to be a part of something revolutionary.
We can’t wait to introduce you to the possibilities of these products. So get in touch, and let’s start the conversation about the possibilities that we’ve only just started to unlock.
In the meantime, browse our current Bulk Product Catalog to get your inventory stocked for the Festive Season just ahead.
