Dive Brief:
- Antioxidant supplier CoffeeFruit Pure is launching a namesake, antioxidant-rich ingredient derived from the pulp of the coffee fruit, according to Nutrition Insight. The fruit ingredient is available as a liquid or powder, and can be used in food, beverages, dietary supplements and personal care products.
- Coffee fruit is rich in both phenolic and chlorogenic acid, giving it unparalleled levels of antioxidants, according to the company.
- “CoffeeFruit Pure was developed with a mission to leverage the exceptional nutritional value of coffee fruit, while making use of the previously discarded fruit material found in traditional coffee production,” Stuart Nixon, business development director at CoffeeFruit Pure, told the publication. The company is "up-cycling" the discarded pulp at facilities in both Hawaii and Costa Rica.
Dive Insight:
The concept of "up-cycling" isn't new to the food and beverage industry, though it has become a greater consumer interest in recent years. CoffeeFruit Pure's ingredient capitalizes on this trend, as well as public demand for antioxidants — likely a winning combination.
The pulp of coffee fruit has a lot going for it. First, it’s rich in antioxidants. The red fruit has high levels of phenolic and chlorogenic acid. Phenols, commonly found in fruit, give blueberries their coveted status as a super fruit. Chlorogenic acid (CGA's) are commonly found in cofee, tea, wine, different herbal infusions and also some fruit juices. Consumption of these beverages has been linked to reduced risks of developing different chronic diseases. CoffeeFruit Pure's ingredient boasts both benefits.
Another reason coffee fruit may appeal to consumers is its affiliation with coffee. Premium and craft coffee is in high demand right now, so the fruit may get the perk of being connected to a hot commodity.
CoffeeFruit Pure could be useful in a variety of CPGs. The liquid or powder forms could be applied to food, beverages, dietary supplements and personal care products. It would likely be most popular as a value-add to already healh-focused products, but also could benefit brands that are trying to give their products a health halo.
This new ingredient could have some advantages over other trendy "super fruit" hopefuls. First, it’s recognizable. Everyone knows what coffee is. Second, it packs a punch of antioxidants, some of which aren’t readily found in other food sources. And lastly, the product’s story and production process will appeal to consumers concerned about sustainability efforts and the environmental impact of their favorite foods. Many foods have come and gone as the next superfood, but with its already strong background, coffee fruit could have a promising future.