FiE 2024: Gelita aims to “raise the bar” with gelatin and collagen peptide portfolio

At the upcoming Food Ingredients Europe (FiE) trade show in Frankfurt, Germany (November 19–21), Gelita will highlight how its gelatin and collagen peptide solutions can help manufacturers raise the bar in food and supplements. The company says its portfolio can help increase protein content, reduce sugar levels and add scientifically proven health benefits in bars, gummies and supplements. 

Gelita will present concepts using its collagen peptide Optibar and showcase its next-generation gelatin Soluform to optimize products’ nutritional profiles, fast-setting gelatin Confixx and a range of bioactive collagen peptides, such as Verisol. 

“At FiE 2024, Gelita will show how our gelatin and collagen peptide solutions can elevate bars, gummies, supplements and more,” Oliver Wolf, marketing at Gelita, tells Nutrition Insight. 

“At FiE, we have designed our booth around the theme of ‘making it better.’ We are excited to show visitors how they can go above and beyond what is thought possible with bars, gummies and supplements, not only from a nutritional and sensory perspective but also in terms of efficacy and production efficiency.”

He highlights several concepts that visitors can sample at the company’s booth (H3.1 F50), such as a “60% protein bar made with Optibar, fiber-rich gummies formulated with Soluform and beauty-from-within gummies, including our Verisol HST and Confixx.” 

Boosting nutritional profiles

Gelita aims to help its customers become market leaders by providing smart, innovative technological solutions and services. Wolf points to Optibar as a solution to create bars that meet consumer demand for lower sugar and higher protein content. 

“Understanding target group segmentation is crucial,” he underscores. “Athletes prioritize protein, while parents seek healthier snack options, focusing on low sugar and natural ingredients. In addition, consumer preferences are evolving, and category definitions are blurring. High protein bars have entered the lifestyle segment, broadening their appeal beyond strength athletes.” 

At the same time, it is challenging to balance a high protein content with a desirable taste and texture. 

Optibar enables manufacturers to incorporate more protein into bars, with a protein content up to 65% (Image credit: Gelita).“Optibar is a collagen peptide that can help manufacturers formulate bars that meet the demands of increasingly health-conscious consumers. It enables more protein to be incorporated into bars — protein content of up to 65% is possible while maintaining a soft and indulgent texture,” Wolf explains. 

He adds that Optibar can also act as a sugar-free binding system in cereal bars, allowing manufacturers to raise the protein content and lower the sugar content simultaneously.

Gelita will also highlight its Soluform, which helps optimize the nutritional profile of confectionary products such as gummies, hard-boiled sweets, marshmallows and chewy candies. Soluform PE helps increase protein content, and Soluform SR enables sugar reductions and sugar-free candies. 

Functional formulations

In addition to Gelita’s health ingredients, the company will present solutions to boost product efficacy and yield.

“For example, Confixx is a fast-setting gelatin representing a breakthrough in fortified gummy production. This new gelatin enables the starch-free production of gummies with a sensory profile that has previously only been attainable with a starch-based manufacturing process,” details Wolf. 

The company’s tailored gelatin portfolio includes different fill-release profiles that address specific challenges in softgel capsules. For example, Rapisol is a fast-release solution, and Delasol offers delayed release, which helps ensure the efficacy of active ingredients such as omega-3 oil, krill oil, essential oils and probiotics. 

At booth H3.1 F50, the company will present solutions to boost product efficacy and yield (Image credit: Gelita).Gelita’s RXL portfolio aims to improve capsule stability over an extended shelf life by tackling the issue of cross-linking. 

“We also offer a unique solution that enables manufacturers to optimize softgel production in one easy step,” adds Wolf. “By switching to the new Easyseal gelatin, manufacturers can enjoy significant reductions in leakers, lower processing costs and higher quality end products.”

Collagen science and formats

Wolf points to research that shows that quality, scientific proof of efficacy and transparency are vital for consumers’ purchasing decisions. 

“Scientific research and verifiable references have always been the foundation for our ingredients. As a leading global supplier of collagen peptides, we are dedicated to quality and innovation and conduct intensive research that helps us develop effective products supported by science. And this, in turn, helps manufacturers create products that better meet consumer needs.”

Gelita’s bioactive collagen peptide ingredients are customized to target specific body parts, such as skin, joints, bones, ligaments, tendons and muscles. 

Wolf illustrates that the Verisol bioactive collagen peptides for beauty-from-within are “supported by several published scientific trials, and the product has regulatory approval for health claims in Canada, Japan and Brazil.” The product supports skin health and metabolism. 

“Another key aspect of nutritional supplements today is the delivery format, with more and more consumers preferring to obtain their chosen nutrients in pleasant ways,” Wolf concludes. “At Fi Europe, visitors will be able to sample soft chews and mocktails fortified with Verisol, as well as gummies formulated with Verisol HST — a solution specifically designed for collagen-rich gummies.”