Sensei Ag continues the spirit and draws upon the technological foundations of its sister company Sensei Retreats. With the shared vision of helping people live longer, healthier lives, Sensei Ag will take the learnings of its pilot farm on Lāna’i across the globe and bring hyper-local, nutrient-rich, affordable food to developed and emerging economies.

This year’s Institute of Food Technologists’ SHIFT20 event focused on the future of food. In conjunction, the American Egg Board shared its latest white paper on Gen Z, which is just beginning to make its mark on food and beverage innovation. 

Spirulina, a microalgae containing a naturally occurring blue pigment called phycocyanin, is currently the only clean-label blue colorant approved for confectionery applications.

Fast Bar is formulated to be a source of nutrition. It aims to satisfy hunger, while allowing consumers to maintain fasting and weight management goals. The bar is specifically designed to supply the body with nourishment through its macronutrient ratio of high beneficial fats, low carbs and protein.

Joywell Foods, a food technology company developing a sweet protein portfolio, announced the closing of a $6.9M Series A financing round. The round was led by Evolv Ventures, a venture fund backed by Kraft Heinz.

PLT Health Solutions, Inc. announced that Earthlight® Whole Food Vitamin D has received approval of its Food Additive Petition from the USFood & Drug Administration, paving the way for this unique dietary ingredient to be used in food and beverages produced and sold in the United States. 

Kemin Industries used the 2020 Institute of Food Technologists Annual Meeting and Food Expo (IFT20) virtual event to highlight its range of clean label antimicrobial and antioxidant solutions. 

Bell Flavors and Fragrances announced the promotions of three team members, and hiring of seven new employees. Promotions include: Nicole Iwicki to senior sensory scientist, and Joann Molloy and Valerie Seaholm’s promotion to regulatory analyst.

Epogee LLC used the virtual 2020 Institute of Food Technologists Annual Meeting and Food Expo to introduce EPG, a low-calorie alternative fat technology made from GMO-free plant-based oil.

BENEO, one of the leading manufacturers of functional ingredients, has announced a 50% production capacity increase at its facility in Wijgmaal, Belgium. Officials say a two-stage, $56 million expansion responds to rising customer demand for its rice starches and will lead to increased capacity by March 2022.