As the overlap between nutrition, food and beverage, and cosmetics industries grows, manufacturers are analyzing and utilizing the multifunctional properties of the South American plant, Yerba Mate, Duas Rodas revealed.
Brazilian producer of flavors and ingredients for the food, beverage and nutraceutical industries, Duas Rodas, is plowing efforts and investment into research. Its aim is to grow its range of botanical extracts and flavors that are derived from the Yerba Mate plant.
Properties for functional food use
Yerba Mate is a plant native to South America. Known for having caffeine and phenolic compounds, it also has substances including saponins, vitamins, minerals and amino acids that are important for bioactive performance.
The plant also has a number of beneficial properties that can be utilized in the nutrition segments. Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis A. St.-Hil.) is also known for stimulating the central nervous system; providing antioxidant, vasodilator and anti-inflammatory support; positively impacting lipid and glycemic profiles; along with aiding weight reduction.
Plant-based ingredient
Functional food and beverages are highly sought after by consumers, who actively look for and buy products that center around natural ingredients, health and wellbeing.
Innovation in functional food launches is also a popular route. Describing Yerba Mate as providing a “unique flavor”, the plant’s use can provide “new consumption experiences”, Duas Rodas stated.
Duas Rodas extracts essential oils from tropical plants in Brazil. The company aims to preserve the key “active ingredients and stability”, along with the “sensory impact”, of Yerba Mate's authentic notes in flavors and natural extracts.
The plant can be used in the functional food segment in both its green or toasted varieties, in liquid or powder form, standardized in methylxanthines and polyphenols, and different concentration strengths.
Storytelling is vital in product markets. Provenance is an engaging way to appeal and connect with consumers. Emphasizing the origin of Yerba mate may well be a clear way brands choose to promote the South American plant to build awareness and trust with their consumers.
Latin America presence
Duas Rodas has three factories in Brazil, four factories in Argentina, Chile, Colombia and Mexico, along with seven research and development centers.
Using pilot plants for product development, the Brazilian manufacturer also has an Innovation Center containing a pilot plant dedicated mainly to research and application of new technologies for production processes.
