Coconut water is the liquid obtained from the unripe fruits of the coconut tree. It has seen as substantial increase in popularity over the past couple of years. However, the analyses by QSI, a Tentamus company, revealed that more than a quarter of the products from shops contain undeclared extraneous sugars. As a low-calorie, low sugar and isotonic soft drink coconut water is an obvious alternative for consumers and athletes to the more common sugared soft drinks. Coconut water is also said to exert a health promoting effect due to its constituents like vitamins and minerals, for example potassium. Unlike coconut water, coconut milk is obtained from the pulp of the ripe fruit instead.

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Vitafoods Europe has enjoyed another record-breaking year, with visitor and exhibitor numbers both significantly up on 2016.
Almost 20,000 (19,951) visitors attended the global nutraceutical event in Geneva between 9 and 11 May –13% more than last year. Furthermore, a record 1,034 companies exhibited – up 15% on 2016.

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Across the ten highest consuming nations for both sugar confectionery and gum, consumption is increasing, with CAGRs ranging from 0.5 percent to 3.0 percent over the 2010-2022 forecasted period. Global sales were worth US$85.8 billion in 2017 and expected to reach around US$100 billion by 2022 (Innova Market Insights, 2018).

Algatech (Algatechnologies) Ltd. announces its 100% organic Haematococcus pluvialis microalgae powder and astaxanthin oleoresin as part of its AstaPure line was granted National Organic Program (NOP) certification from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service. “NOP organic certification means that our products are being cultivated, processed—and thus able to be labelled as—organic,” says Efrat Kat, VP Marketing and Sales for Algatech. “This certification, in addition to our GMP accreditation and non-GMO project verification, reaffirm our commitment to providing premium quality ingredients that consumers and industry partners can trust.” According to trends tracked by Global Food Forums, today’s consumers continue to seek healthier choices and want to know what the sources are for the products they use, especially how and where the products are produced. These consumers prefer suppliers who offer greater transparency. This is especially relevant to algae-based products since they can grow under a wide range of conditions. “Supplying pure, natural microalgae requires a tremendous amount of knowledge, experience, and fully controlled processes, with constant attention paid to the smallest details,” explains Shoshi Shunak, QA Manager for Algatech. “We cultivate microalgae in a patented, eco-friendly, closed system that allows the production of the highest quality ingredients and prevents any exposure to contaminations.” “The four NOP principles for organic certification—health, ecology, fairness and sustainability—comply with Algatech’s ‘DNA’ and core values, and therefore to ‘go organic’ was a natural step,” notes Hagai Stadler, Algatech’s CEO. “Our plant, in the Arava Desert between the Dead Sea and the Red Sea, is a living example of how it is possible to green the desert and unlock the potential of a non-fertile land. Recycling water, saving solar energy is just a small part of activities that Algatech does on a regular basis to minimize its environmental footprint. For us, this is a fundamental part of our shared vision: to make an impact by bringing the good that’s inherent in microalgae to the world.” “Algatech insists on reflecting maximum transparency to our clients and partners, from the growing of our Haematococcus pluvialis microalgae to ensuring a safe, clean environment,” adds Kat. “We are among the few companies in the world who have cracked the code for producing commercial-scale natural microalgae under the very highest standards.”

www.algatech.com