Upcycling ingredients: Alvinesa Natural Ingredients to expand in olive fruit extracts after Genosa deal

25 Jul 2023 --- Spain-based Alvinesa Natural Ingredients has acquired natural hydroxytyrosol producer Genosa in a new deal that will strengthen its position in the upcycled natural ingredients market. The companies will be further exploring development using olive fruit extract for a range of foods and beverages as it is “easy to incorporate into various food matrices.”

Financial details of the deal have not been disclosed.

Alvinesa is positive about the potential this acquisition brings, including a boost to innovation, delivering exceptional ingredients and shaping the future of the upcycled natural ingredients industry while staying committed to environmentally responsible practices.

“The acquisition is a first step for Alvinesa beyond grapes and shows how serious we are about natural ingredients, we believe we have an excellent platform from a commercial point of view but even more importantly from a manufacturing one,” Jon Fernandez de Barcena, Alvinesa CEO tells Food Ingredients First. 

“Genosa’s products will benefit from our commercial capabilities overseas, research function and eventually from one of Europe’s largest food ingredients manufacturing plants.”

Alvinesa Natural Ingredients is a “circular economy” pioneer of sustainable plant-based ingredients. The company upcycles and transforms agricultural coproducts from the wine industry into valuable natural ingredients for the food, beverage, animal health and nutraceutical industries. 

Utilizing natural ingredients & extracts 
Among Alvinesa’s offerings is the flagship brand, Vintera, which focuses on grape extract rich in polyphenols. 

Genosa has been dedicated to the research, industrial production and commercialization of olive fruit extracts rich in natural hydroxytyrosol for over ten years.The Vintera brand has gained recognition for its exceptional quality, food protection capabilities and the numerous health benefits associated with its polyphenol content. In addition, its portfolio includes natural color, grape seed oil, natural flavor (wine concentrate) and natural tartaric acid.

Genosa, also based in Spain, is producing and commercializing upcycled natural hydroxytyrosol (Hytolive) derived from olive fruit. 

Since its inception in 2001, the company has made substantial investments in human expertise and financial resources, prioritizing the production of premium natural extracts and delivering added value to customers.

Genosa was the first to introduce high-purity natural hydroxytyrosol extracts derived from olive fruit. 

Its patented international process utilizes only physical and mechanical methods, ensuring quality and environmental responsibility by abstaining from the use of solvents in the extraction of hydroxytyrosol.

An ingredient with “no limitations”
Also speaking to Food Ingredients First, Carlos Peña, Genosa’s CEO, says Hytolive is a versatile ingredient. 

“Hydroxytyrosol provides health benefits and food protection and its required doses are not high, resulting in minimal economic impact for food companies upon its addition. Additionally, hydroxytyrosol is a highly temperature-resistant molecule, making it easy to incorporate into various food matrices.”

There are no limitations when using Hytolive, asserts Peña. “Genosa has been marketing this ingredient on all continents. It holds a significant advantage over the competition because Hytolive is derived from the olive fruit, which is approved as a food, allowing its commercialization without any issues. In contrast, hydroxytyrosol derived from the leaf is not considered a food product,” he explains. 

Undoubtedly, natural hydroxytyrosol is an exceptionally fascinating molecule, Peña underscores. “Its low molecular weight and remarkable activity as an ortho-diphenolic compound make it a safe choice, historically consumed through olives and extra virgin olive oil. Its versatility and wide range of applications, including antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, contribute to its continuous growth year after year.”With a colorful heritage and years of expertise, Alvinesa has established itself as a trusted provider of high-quality natural ingredients to customers worldwide.

A staple ingredient in Mediterranean diets
Moreover, the demand for hydroxytyrosol is poised to soar as the Mediterranean diet gains further prominence and extra virgin olive oil continues to be a staple in this diet. Peña adds that the olive extract keeps revealing new applications, “opening up exciting and promising fields for hydroxytyrosol.”

Notably, the release of Oleafresh by Genosa presents a recent development, safeguarding foods from oxidation and microbiological issues in various applications such as meat, dairy, vegan applications and ready meals. Additionally, the launch of Hytolive BEV allows incorporation into any beverage without compromising its taste or sensory attributes, he explains. 

“Alvinesa’s acquisition of Genosa stems from recognizing the tremendous potential in the area of food protection, solidifying their position and enabling them to capitalize on emerging opportunities with hydroxytyrosol,” adds Peña. 

Unique opportunities ahead
According to Genosa, the acquisition presents a “unique opportunity” for Alvinesa Natural Ingredients to expand its ingredient range further and leverage the synergies between both companies to drive innovation and customer value.

As part of the integration process, Alvinesa will explore ways to leverage Genosa’s expertise and technologies to enhance its existing product range.

Alvinesa and Azelis also recently partnered to strengthen their Asia Pacific food and nutrition portfolio. 

Just last week, Alvinesa exhibited its upcycled wine ingredients at this year’s IFT FIRST trade show in Chicago, US, outlining its focus on zero waste in the ingredient-making process.

By Elizabeth Green