Ingredion sets pulses racing with Alliance Grain Traders distribution deal
Flours, proteins, fibers and other ingredients from peas, beans, lentils and chickpeas are enjoying a PR renaissance as food marketers tap into their wholesome, sustainable and non-GMO credentials, while market researchers are predicting we’ll see them move into several new categories beyond ethnic foods and chips.
Richer in fiber, protein, and micronutrients than gluten-free staples rice and tapioca flour, pulse-based ingredients can also significantly improve the texture, nutrient quality and shelf-life of gluten-free products.
And one firm that plans to cash in is Ingredion, which has just struck a deal with Alliance Grain Traders - announced at the IFT show (click HERE) - to be its exclusive distributor of pulse flours, protein and bran ingredients in the US, Canada, China, most of Europe, North Africa and the Middle East.
Most of the products, which will be introduced in the next four months, will be marketed under Ingredion's HOMECRAFT brand.
Innovation in action: Idea Labs
Separately, the firm also announced plans to expand its global R&D and innovation/applications capabilities and re-brand them as 'Idea Labs' (click HERE) to highlight a renewed focus on working collaboratively with customers to develop new products driven by consumer insights.
With three U.S. facilities and 21 others being launched worldwide by the end of the year, Ingredion Idea Labs innovation centers specialize in four areas: consumer insights, applied research, applications know-how and process technology, said Joe Light, VP, Global Development.
"We start with the consumer and market-driven insights, look at what technology is needed to develop products that meet these needs, and work with customers on formulation and scaling up. We help them go right from the concept to something that can be produced on an industrial scale.
"I think what makes us stand out is also the fact that we can talk about texture and sweetness using a language - texicon and sweetabulary - that is the same whichever market we operate in, we standardize our sensory capabilities and vocabulary."
Visit IngredionLabs for details.