Sensient Technologies has acquired Vancouver-based botanical extraction technology company Mazza Innovation. The addition of Mazza Innovation is, says Sensient, a major step in the evolution of its “seed to shelf” strategy.

Mazza Innovation acquired by Sensient Technologies

Sensient Technologies has acquired Vancouver-based botanical extraction technology company Mazza Innovation.

The addition of Mazza Innovation is, says Sensient, a major step in the evolution of its “seed to shelf” strategy to innovate across the value chain for natural and organic ingredients. Mazza’s patented solvent-free clean extraction technology is said to expand current extraction capabilities to deliver pure and clean colour, flavour, functional nutraceutical, and skin care ingredients. The acquisition will leverage Sensient’s agronomy and sustainable sourcing programs for plant materials as well as the company’s extract refinement and application expertise.

“I am excited about both the immediate and longer term possibilities for our R&D efforts,” said Mike Geraghty, President of Sensient Colors. “Many of the botanical colour sources used today require chemical solvents or high temperatures to be effective. This patented extraction technology represents a major step change. It is cleaner, more efficient, and delivers on the need for clean-label flavour extracts, natural colours, colouring foods, functional extracts, and skin-care ingredients.”

Originally developed by Dr. Giuseppe (Joe) Mazza, a longtime researcher with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Mazza recognised that the extraction technology would address the growing demand for clean and pure ingredients.

“The future is bright for simple, close-to-nature ingredients, with natural botanical extracts chief among them,” said Jeremy Thompson, Global Head of Strategy & Innovation, for Sensient Flavors & Fragrances. “This exciting acquisition is an investment into a future where simplicity is key in manufacturing the natural foods and beverages consumers demand. Mazza’s novel technology enables valuable components of plant materials to be targeted and gently removed simply using water. It complements well Sensient’s already extensive capability in solvent free extraction and adds to our broad range of botanical flavour extracts under the Sensient Natural Origins brand.”