PETpla.net Insider 09 / 2013

BEVERAGES / INGREDIENTS 60 PET planet insider Vol. 14 No. 09/13 www.petpla.net Döhler goes for Sensory and Consumer Science Savour and flavour Once a beverage becomes established in the marketplace, it’s not only external values, like the packaging, that count but of course what’s inside the packaging as well. So taste assumes significant importance when assessing the suc- cess of the overall concept. This year the company will be celebrating its 175th anniversary. A good enough excuse for us at PETplanet to make our way to Döhler’s HQ in Darm- stadt, Germany. Talking to Herbert Eickmeier (Senior Mar- keting Manager), Olaf Biedekarken (Head of Sensory and Consumer Science) and Nathalie Laqua (Senior Product Manager) has given us a detailed insight into production workshop kitchens where not only tried and tested recipes are conjured up but new products are also sampled and tested. With a view to ensuring that it is thoroughly in con- trol when it comes to the success of its new products Döhler has adopted a proactive approach to its operations by set- ting up its Sensory and Consumer Science division. Main trends in the beverage ingredients industry In matters of taste Döhler has gone with a number of trends. Accord- ing to Herbert Eickmeier, an upcom- ing area is that of products made from malt and cereals and the company’s new tea concepts (TrueTea). Malt bev- erages are on the way to becoming a big trend worldwide. With a broad product portfolio of gently processed, filtered and concentrated malt extracts and malt compounds, Döhler makes it possible to produce malt beverages cost-efficiently. Beverage produc- ers can enter this interesting market without the necessity of investing in additional filtration technology and production steps. And the still drink products continue to make up a sustained trend and growth sector. In the long term the trend is moving towards fruit juice beverages contain- ing less juice while maintaining the same particularly fruit taste sensation. Herbert Eickmeier also mentions the factor of enhanced mouth feel, as well as drinks containing pulp or chunks, by way of a new and important trend. Döhler has a toolbox of multi-faceted ingredients such as fruit juice concen- trates, purees, cells & pieces as well as flavours, colours, health ingredi- ents and emulsions at its disposal for the creation of innovative still drinks. Further examples of innovations from Malt beverages are on the way to becoming a trend worldwide.