#USA #Natural Ingredients #River Falls #Fiberstar #Citri-Fi Pro

Fiberstar Unveils Citri-Fi Pro: A Game-Changer for Beverage Manufacturers

In a significant development for the beverage industry, Fiberstar, Inc., a leading innovator in citrus fibers, has announced the launch of Citri-Fi Pro, a completely natural alternative to acacia gum. This new product aims to address the pressing need for a stable, ethically sourced ingredient, as geopolitical instability in regions like Sudan has raised serious ethical concerns about sourcing acacia gum.

For decades, acacia gum, commonly known as gum arabic, has been an essential ingredient used in beverage emulsions. However, the evolving landscape has prompted manufacturers to seek reliable substitutes as they grapple with supply chain challenges. John Haen, President and CEO of Fiberstar, emphasized, "This new alternative to acacia gum, Citri-Fi Pro, arrives at a crucial time for beverage manufacturers who are desperately searching for substitutes. New regulations like the proposed EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) are requiring large corporations to identify and mitigate human rights and environmental risks within their global operations and supply chains. Consequently, this impacts their ability to source acacia gum from conflict zones in the future."

What is Citri-Fi Pro?

Citri-Fi Pro is an innovative citrus fiber designed to replace up to 75% of acacia gum or modified starch in beverages. This substantial reduction in reliance on traditional ingredients not only allows for cost savings but also adheres to the growing consumer demand for clean and sustainable labeling. Because Citri-Fi Pro is derived from natural sources, it ensures a reliable and transparent supply chain. This advance offers beverage brands a trustworthy method to maintain product quality over time while aligning with clean label, sustainability, and risk mitigation goals.

Moreover, Citri-Fi Pro is free from allergens and gluten, making it an attractive choice in the growing market for natural beverages. Brands can label it as citrus fiber, dehydrated citrus pulp, or citrus flour, all of which are becoming increasingly accepted in natural beverage markets.

The Importance of Ethical Sourcing

The transition towards a more sustainable ingredient like Citri-Fi Pro is not just about improving product formulas but about a broader commitment to sourcing that respects human rights and supports environmental sustainability. As consumers become more conscious of the ingredients in their beverages and the stories behind them, brands face immense pressure to deliver ethically produced products.

Fiberstar stands at the forefront of this movement. The company focuses on plant-based, high-performance food ingredients, with its flagship product, Citri-Fi, being produced sustainably from citrus waste. The physical manufacturing process, devoid of chemical modifications, results in high water retention and clean emulsification properties that benefit a diverse range of products including meat, dairy, bakery items, dressings, sauces, frozen foods, beverages, pet foods, dairy alternatives, and meat substitutes. Furthermore, Citri-Fi holds GRAS certification, is non-allergenic, non-GMO, and has no E-number.

With its headquarters in River Falls, Wisconsin, and manufacturing facilities in both Florida and Wisconsin, Fiberstar is committed to advancing the use of natural, sustainable ingredients in the food and beverage industry.

For media inquiries or additional information about Citri-Fi Pro and its benefits, please contact Fiberstar at [email protected]

In conclusion, as the beverage industry continues to evolve, the introduction of Citri-Fi Pro could reshape how manufacturers think about their sourcing strategies, paving the way for a more sustainable future in beverage formulation. This launch represents a significant leap towards aligning with consumer expectations for ethically sourced and environmentally friendly products, reinforcing Fiberstar's position as a leader in the innovative ingredients sector.