Capol predicts organic candy coatings will spread throughout NAFTA region

By Mary Ellen Shoup

- Last updated on GMT

Capol's new organic coatings are used primarily for gummy candy as an antisticking agent. (Photo/iStock)
Capol's new organic coatings are used primarily for gummy candy as an antisticking agent. (Photo/iStock)

Related tags Confectionery Organic food

Confectionery finishing agents supplier Capol expects its newly launched organic product offerings made from acacia and sunflower oil will attract strong demand in North America.

The company, which accounts for roughly 50% of confectionery finishing agents market in the NAFTA region, says its new organic finishes have started appearing on fruit snacks, gummies, and vitamin chews throughout North America.

Longer-lasting, improved taste

Shelf stability is a crucial element for consumer purchase, and the company’s proprietary blend serves as a major point of differentiation for the brand, Capol VP of Sales Katherine Clark told ConfectioneryNews.

The new organic finishing agents help assure a longer shelf life without compromising the taste of the base candy, Clark said.

“I think it’s important when you delve into organic products, you want mutual tasting. You want to be able to taste the candy,”​ Clark said.

 “Our certified liquid agents also offer a shelf life of up to one year or more, unlike other competitive products.”

Select number of offerings, variety of applications

Working with products that are non-GMO and organic can be limiting, Clark acknowledges, but the company has developed confectionery finishing agents products that are also versatile.

“We have very select number of ingredients we can choose from and now we have an offering that has a multitude of applications,”​ Clark said.

Gum acacia is a substance secreted by the Acacia Senegal trees found in Sub-Saharan Africa, according to The Science of Sugar Confectionery​ by W.P. Edwards. The sustainable ingredient is typically used in gum-based candy for improved texture, shape retention, and flavor adhesion.

Capol’s newly launched organic sunflower-oil-based finishing line is most commonly used as an antisticking agent for gummies and chocolate while providing a glossy finish, the company said.

“Unlike other finishing agents, our organic agents are liquid - rather than powder-based - and don’t require additional mixing, blending or heating with other raw materials before they can be applied,”​ Clark said.

Future of organic confectionery finishes

The North American confectionery market is expected to grow at an annual rate of 4%, according to Clark. She believes that Capol’s organic products, which currently compromise roughly 10% or more of the company’s sales, will help generate revenue well above the industry’s growth rate over the same period.

Future products

Capol will also launch a new line of sustainable palm-oil based anti-sticking agents. The new line has been certified by the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil’s Mass Balance system.

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