Natural Preservatives for Beverages

Description

Suntory is seeking "natural preservatives", that is, clean-label ingredients with an antimicrobial or bacteriostatic activity against molds and yeasts.

Natural preservatives derived from plants are of highest interest. Natural preservatives delivered from microorganisms which have a history of safe use for food are also acceptable. (e.g. Lactic acid bacteria, yeast, Aspergillus oryzae and Mushroom)

The following ingredients are excluded: Chitosan, Saponin, Natamycin, Nicin, Benzoic acid and Sorbic acid.

Background

Consumers are putting more attention on products which are clean-label and more "natural".

In some markets Suntory must currently use a limited number of artificial preservatives combined with heating processes for product safety.

We would like to achieve ZERO artificial preservative use to meet increasing consumer demand worldwide.

Key Success Criteria

Must-Haves

• Samples should be provided for Suntory’s internal evaluation
• History of safe use for food and no safety issues

Nice-to-Haves

• Experimental results on MIC (preferably, < 1,000ppm) against molds and yeasts
• Good solubility, pH stable (preferably, at 3.5-4.0), and heat stable (at 90–100°C for a few seconds)
• The color / taste / flavor should not be negatively affected
• Mass production should be possible or likely to be possible

Possible Approaches

• Natural components, natural extracts or fermented products from plants, fruits and vegetables
• Microorganism-derived components and its metabolites
• Combinations of the above

Approaches not of interest

We are not interested in

• Chitosan, Saponin, Natamycin, Nicin, Benzoic acid and Sorbic acid.
• Proposals for untested ideas/concepts
• Ingredients which must be labeled as a "preservative"
• E-number coded substances

Preferred Collaboration types

To be negotiated: open for joint development with academic partners as well as commercially available solutions

Additional Information

We would like to receive the following documents/information with your proposal.

• MIC data
• Cost, lead time, and quantity available for samples