The company - a leading Indian manufacturer and exporter of standardized botanical extracts for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries - researches botanical extracts that have antimicrobial activity for use in food and beverage applications, acting to extend shelf-life without affecting the product’s flavor or mouthfeel. Arjuna’s research, focusing on botanicals, goes hand-in-hand with rising consumer demand in plant-based and non-synthetic ingredients.
“Millennial consumers increasingly demand natural products, and Arjuna helps manufacturers get such clean-label food and beverage products to the market—all without compromising appearance or flavor,” said Benny Antony, joint managing director for Arjuna.
Arjuna’s stateside expansion has to do with the high US consumer demand for ‘free from artificial ingredients’ finished products. On-trend in the US are fruit-based drinks and smoothies, as well as many vegan products, which the company said are susceptible to oxidation and microbial growth, which in turn may result in product degradation that poses a danger to health.
“Natural products are, by their very nature, highly sensitive to oxidation and microbial contamination,” explained Antony. “Many such products currently on the market contain synthetic preservatives, but today’s consumers are aggressively seeking safe products without artificial ingredients.
“Arjuna's portfolio consists of traditional botanical extracts backed by research and modern technology, but most importantly, the company tracks and controls the supply chain from 'farm to fork' to provide safe, pure ingredients,” she added.