Organic food products are forecast a double-digit growth rate within the next four years, driven by consumer demand for naturalness, transparency and clean labelling. Additionally, an increased focus on eco-friendliness and sustainability are decisive factors influencing the customers’ buying decisions and the growing demand for organic products.

The European Union represents the second largest market for organic food and beverages, following the US.

In order to deliver a comprehensive portfolio of flavours fitting market needs and growing consumer demands for organic products, Bell EMEA has carried out an organic certification for its European site.

Delivering comprehensive support in product formulation and regulatory compliance, Bell EMEA further offers a broad portfolio of organic suitable natural source flavourings (95/5) and extracts for beverage applications. While targeting organic needs on a global scale, Bell likewise comprises a portfolio of organic certified and compliant flavours based on USDA-regulations.

The new EU-Regulation (EU) 848/2018 applying for organic-certified products will lead to a change in the raw materials and flavourings allowed to be used in organic-labelled products. Following the new legislation, only natural x flavourings (95/5) or flavouring preparations are allowed to be incorporated in organic food. In order to keep the organic certification within end products, they are therefore only allowed to contain organic suitable or organic certified natural source flavourings or extracts.

As only a maximum of 5 % non-certified ingredients within product formulation is allowed, organic certified flavours or extracts are mandatory in product categories with high flavour dosages, such as beverage compounds, seasonings and others. This bears challenges for many product categories, especially within the beverage segment – being at risk to lose their organic status. A reformulation of the existing product range therefore is indispensable.

At the same time, the use of organic certified flavours enables product developments based on solely organic raw materials, addressing the growing consumer need for transparency and thus, emphasising the shared values associated with a brand or company.