Galam reveals organic sweeteners and fibers amid demand for natural foods
17 Nov 2021 --- Galam Iberia’s production facility in Spain is expanding its portfolio to include organic liquid sweeteners, fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and inulin or FOS blends. According to the company, the expansion is in response to the growing consumer expectation for organic F&B.
“We see natural, non-GMO and organic products as the main growth engine for Galam in the coming years,” Itay Vilder, vice president of global sales at Galam, tells NutritionInsight.
“Consumer demand encourages food manufacturers to offer organic options, and this reinforces the expectation for organic. In order to get organic certifications, higher traceability and transparency are needed, and this affects the quality of the entire supply chain.”
Apart from consumer demand, Galam is going organic because its “organic portfolio supports employees, community and the environment.” Notably, Galam’s facilities are located in rural, agricultural communities, and the company has a social responsibility to its employees, it states.
The company notes that quality ingredients make better products with added nutritional value and enhanced customer experience.
What’s driving organic demand?
Shoppers have come to look for organic products, which they perceive as healthier and more wholesome.
“Organic, non-GMO, vegan-friendly FOS and inulin offer health benefits, functionality, performance, transparency and clean labels,” says Vilder.
Itay Vilder, vice president of global sales at Galam.
According to the company, the COVID-19 pandemic has strengthened demand for organic as it served as a reminder of just how important a healthy body and immune system are.
“The demand for liquid organic sweeteners is particularly high in the bars and gummies industries,” notes Vilder.
Millennials are top organic consumers
Consumers of all ages are interested in organic claims, yet the trend is even stronger among Millennials. Looking ahead, they are likely to drive demand further with the decisions they make for their families as more of them become parents.
According to the Organic Trade Association, “52% of organic buyers in the US are Millennials.
“Generation X parents made up 35% of parents choosing organic and Baby Boomers total 14%.”
This consumer demand taps into Innova Market Insights’ first 2022 Top Top Trend: “Shared Planet,” demonstrating the shift from personal health to planetary concerns as more consumers are “more ethically and environmentally conscious.”
Additionally, organic food addresses concerns about the potential effects of GMOs and pesticides in raw materials alongside potential health issues associated with artificial ingredients and ultra-processed food and drink products.
Previously, Galam unveiled GOFOS, a fiber ingredient designed for a longer shelf life of synbiotic products. The company has recently tapped into inulin alternatives for fiber fortification with its beet-derived short-chain fructooligosaccharides.
By Nicole Kerr
