Category Archives: CFER News

CFER Labs has collaborated with Why Not Soda on the technical development of their first flavour, Lemon’Mate. We had the chance to interview Nils Schwentkowsi (NS), the company co-founder and business manager, and ask him some questions about the company’s vision, business model and, also, his feedback about the collaboration with CFER Labs.

CFER: So the market for craft sodas in Germany is well established, but in Portugal you found that was a big gap. Can you tell us a little bit more how “why not soda” started and how consumers presently perceive the brand?

NS: I saw the soft drink market in Germany changing massively during the last 20 years. Until I went to university there were only the big brands like Coca Cola and Pepsi, but then one, two, three alternative producers appeared on the market with more sophisticated ways of production, with more interesting flavors or just more interesting stories to tell. And now the shelves in regular supermarkets are full of different options. My wife and I we both became soda-fans, because the soda had less and less sugar and became more and more natural with new, interesting flavors.

We have been in Portugal many times before we moved here. We love the country, its people, its nature. But one thing we were missing and we could not find: There were no real alternative sodas on the market. Only these artificial ones full of sugar. So we decided: why not make better sodas here in Portugal – interesting flavors with only natural ingredients, less sugar, bio-certified. And so we did. We left our career, quit our secure jobs and told our friends that we would move to Portugal with our two little daughters to become soda producers without even speaking the language. You can imagine that most of them stared at us saying: why? Well, you know our answer: why not! We believe that one should constantly look for new experiences. They do not necessarily have to be as life-changing as ours. But new experiences make you grow personally and make you feel alive. This is also what we want to transport with our brand and our story.

So, we had a slight feeling how to start without having any experience in this sector. We developed the recipe for our first flavor in the kitchen and then went to professionals to help us to have the right recipe for production. We found suppliers and very important a place to bottle here in Portugal, the fantastic guys from Cerveja Vadia. In June 2018 we produced our first batch, in August already the second. The feedback we received was super positive. Customers loved the refreshing and natural taste and the fact that it had less sugar.

In the end of 2018 we won a StartUp-Accelerator by Startup Lisbon and since then we are constantly growing in numbers of clients and sales. We won clients from the Algarve to the north and were listed in Go Natural as well as Continentes Innovation Food Lab. During the Startup Programm we also met the CEO of Delta Cafes, Rui Miguel Nabeiro. He liked our spirit, speed and most importantly the product. So we decided to run a sales trial in 2019. And now we started working together on a regular basis and they will start to distribute our products. We feel very just very honored to experience all of this – and of course motivated to keep on going. We will launch two more flavors in March and will start a whole family of Craft Soda, which we plan to constantly grow over the next years.

CFER: How do you feel the craft soda market will evolve over the next years both in Portugal as in Europe?

NS: Customers are looking for more “better-for-you-options”. They are more conscious about what they consume, but not in an extremist way. They still want to enjoy their lives. And we can also see a tendency towards the identification with local brands. Experience is what consumers are looking for in new products – especially the younger Generations. We deliver the right product for these demands. We use only natural, high quality ingredients, lower sugar and of course bio-certified. We produce in Portugal and we give fruits that everyone know and interesting twist in flavor for new taste experiences.

In northern Europe craft soda or alternative soft drinks are already a big thing and we are the first ones to bring this trend to Portugal. Well, the big player will always play a dominant role, but there is room for smaller producers to position themselves on the market. But most importantly, besides all market potential, for us it is just a lot of fun to develop, produce and sell soda. It is a product with a good spirit. We love it.

The brand has started with a single refreshing flavour, Lemon’Mate, which is made with bio-certified, high quality ingredients. in marketeer.sapo.pt

CFER: As a research and innovation company, CFER is helping brands like Why Not reaching the market with even more innovative foods and beverages, while supporting their technical development. Could you describe us the importance of CFER as a technical partner during your trajectory up so far?

NS: As said before, we had help of professionals to make our ideas and recipes ready for production, because making soda in the kitchen is not the same as producing millions of bottles. Of course we are not there yet, but soon, of course. When we arrived here in Portugal we needed someone here, we could challenge our new ideas with, do adjustments to existing recipes, try new ingredients from new suppliers our just talk about questions of production processes. Craft soda making is constant work in progress, because you have to come up with new ideas and make your business better and better. So, we were looking for a partner we could exactly do all these things with. In CFER and especially in you, Daniel, we found a guy who knows what he is doing and we enjoyed running the first smaller project. We can recommend your service for young companies who want to do the next step, but also for bigger fishes, because you guys also have some good ideas.

CFER: As a F&B start-up founder competing on a global, demanding market, how important do you consider product innovation to be in order to gain competitive advantage over similar products?

NS: The interesting aspect about craft soda is that you always have to come up with new flavors – may they stay in your portfolio or just be a seasonal edition. It is like with the craft beers. Go to a Taproom, it is full of interesting references. As a craft soda producer, I feel with soda it is the same. The creative, the innovative win.

The collaboration with CFER Labs has helped the company to improve the first flavour of Why Not, Lemon’Mate. in nit.pt

CFER: How do you see your brand expanding in the next five years? Are there any strategic, international markets for “why not soda”?

NS: Of course, we have our strategic plan and there are interesting markets, but first we need to make our homework here in Portugal and work hard. If you can make it here, you can make it everywhere. We want to win the Portuguese for our soda experience.

CFER: Many thanks for your time. We wish prosperous growth for your business and we are looking forward for many more exciting “why not soda” flavors!

NS: Live long and prosper – drink more organic craft soda made in Portugal, why not!

Cover picture: in Dinheiro Vivo (Reinaldo Rodrigues/Global imagens)

The year of 2019 reinforced our desire to continue our mission to create ever better, healthier, more natural and greener foods and beverages. From multinational producers to new entrepreneurs on the international food scene, CFER has been able to meet the challenges posed by its customers by constantly meeting targets and exceeding expectations.

With over 20 new projects and 5 new products on the market developed by our team, 2019 was a year of affirmation, growth and development of business relationships that we are truly proud of; within these, we have welcomed many partnerships with new entrepreneurs, with whom we have so enthusiastically been exploring the creation of exciting new products and the stimulation of new business models in the food and drinks business.

The year ahead is full of ambitious goals. We are attentive to new markets and the possibility of starting CFER’s presence in them, especially those that focus more on innovation and food technology. We also want to strengthen our involvement in healthy lifestyle communication initiatives, based on a diverse and balanced diet, where innovation can play a central role. The year of 2020 will also mark the year in which we will launch our first ingredients and products on the market, with a clear focus on the natural and organic, clean-label, vegan / vegetarian and functional food sectors; for this, CFER counts on its strategic partners that will ensure the commercialization and distribution of the products that are being gradually crafted by our innovation team.

Many reasons make us dream with a 2020 packed with many exciting challenges, achievements and criative moments. Let us toast to a great 2019 and to an exciting 2020 designed by new horizons.

Daniel Abegão
Founder of CFER Labs

 

CFER Labs is now a certified food and drinks research and development company. The distinction, attributed by the Portuguese National Agency of Innovation (ANI), aims to recognize the top scientific institutions in Portugal, their unique R&D methodologies and breakthroughs and the social impact of their scientific work.

How clients may benefit from this certification

While the present recognition from ANI is a clear clear proof of the quality of the company’s scientific work, clients with fiscal HQ in Portugal may benefit from a tax credit that may reach 82.5% of the total sum involved in the collaboration, according to the SIFIDE programme. Also, when applying for R&D public funding together with CFER Labs, applications will be distinctively valued and majorated up to 15% of the total eligible sum.

CFER Labs collaborates with companies expert in tax credit and building of applications for SIFIDE and R&D public funding, such as Portugal 2020.

 

CFER Labs has been invited to participate in UP By Wabel, a trade show for the food, drinks and beauty industries, taking place in the prestigious Carrousel du Louvre, Paris, in the next 27th and 28th of June of 2019. The show focuses on natural, clean-label and sustainable foods, drinks and beauty products, matching ‘new brands with international retailers, distributors, food services, specialized stores, concept stores, media and influencers from all over the world.’

Save the date – CFER Labs oral presentation in UP By Wabel

The company will deliver an oral presentation in UP By Wabel in the 28th of June at 1PM – How to create the next best Food & Drinks references – Research to create more natural products. The presentation, and the concept behind the show, focus on CFER Labs vision for tomorrow’s food and drinks marketplace.

As a company delivering exciting food and drinks innovation, CFER Labs believes the show will be a fantastic opportunity to meet international companies and entrepreneurs in the food and drinks business that could be looking for the next great innovation in the field.

Schedule your meeting with CFER Labs in UP By Wabel

CFER Labs is looking forward to meet you in UP By Wabel. Contact via info@cferlabs.co to schedule a meeting.

 

Bone broth is made by simmering animal bones and tissue for at least 8 hours with optional vegetables, herbs, spices and salt.

The health benefits of bone broth (or soup) have been long perceived, but only a decade ago was the remedial effect of bone broth scientifically evaluated. For instance, the generally believed curing effect of chicken soup against symptomatic upper respiratory tract infection has been found to follow from an increase in nasal mucus velocity or its mild anti-inflammatory effect.

More recently, bone broth has been increasingly recommended as part of the diets for gut and psychology syndrome (GAPS) patients, such as those with autism and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Brand owners and marketeers are supporting the growth of bone broth as a functional product by claiming that it can quell inflammation, speed healing, calm allergies, combat fatigue and promote satiety. These attributes could be attributed to broth’s protein, collagen, gelatin, essential and inessential aminoacids and minerals. Several media and academic references support the positive attributes of bone broth, as shown below:

The Nourished Kitchen – Bone broths are extraordinarily rich in protein, and can be a source of minerals as well. Glycine supports the bodies detoxification process and is used in the synthesis of hemoglobin, bile salts and other naturally-occurring chemicals within the body. Glycine also supports digestion and the secretion of gastric acids. Proline, especially when paired with vitamin C, supports good skin health.

Kettle and Fire – Bones and connective tissue are storehouses for essential amino acids and minerals — which are lacking in many diets today. Bone broth is also an invaluable source of protein, collagen and gelatin.

Medical News Today – Drinking bone broth may be beneficial for the joints and digestive system, among other things. Bone broth is highly nutritious, may protect the joints, may help fight osteoarthritis, may help reduce inflammation and heal the gut, may aid sleep and may support weight loss.

Cognitune – Enhancement of weight loss and metabolism, with fantastic properties regarding detoxification, digestion and weight loss.

A 2017 research study included bone broth as part of a recommendable microbiome restoration procedure.

Brand owners and marketeers are supporting the growth of bone broth as a functional product by claiming that it can quell inflammation, speed healing, calm allergies, combat fatigue and promote satiety. However, the topic is controversial.

On a 2016 piece titled ‘Science Can’t Explain Why Everyone is Drinking Bone Broth’, Time Magazine claims that ‘there isn’t much research on bone broth to support—or refute—these health claims. But several experts on human digestion say the nutrients that supposedly make
bone broth special are not, in fact, all that unique.’ A recent australian research paper advises that ‘If the intake of collagen precursors is proven to support the synthesis of new collagen in vivo, it’s unlikely that bone broth can provide a consistently reliable source of key amino acids.’ More research is needed, and while no source claims its unhealthiness, bone broth seems to contain a fair concentration of protein and minerals, promoting satiety and a warmth feeling. However, it may not be delivering the remarkable nutrition that some entities are claiming, especially due to bioavailability issues and insuficient concentration of the key nutritional compounds for a superior level of functionality.

Evidences seem to suggest that the longer the cooking, the more gelatin and minerals are extracted, a key goal while producing bone broth. The extended cooking promotes the release of aminoacids from bones.

Production of bone broth

While any bone or ligament can be used, knuckles, chicken feet, and femur bones tend to contain the most collagen. Beef, chicken and fish are the most used animals for bone broth production. As with stock, bones are typically roasted first to improve the flavor of the bone
broth. The bones may contain a small amount of meat adhering to them. At the end of cooking, the bones should crumble when pressed lightly between the thumb and forefinger. While the bone broth is being prepared, proteinaceous foamy scum typically bubbles up at the
top of the pot. Removing it helps to clarify the broth and improve its flavor. At the end of the desired time of cooking, the bones and other debris are discarded and the remaining liquid can be filtered or strained for higher purity. After conditioning the final liquid in the fridge, the
natural fat from the broth is typically removed, yielding a brown coloured liquid with a turbid look. The final product is microbiologically unstable, so that a pasteurization/sterilization cycle will be needed to increase the shelf-life of commercial liquid bone broths. The pasteurized broth may display a shelf-life of over 2 years. Optionally, the broth may be dehydrated to a powdered form, allowing for its posterior reconstitution with boiling water.

A growing market for bone broth

According to figures from Global Market Insights, Inc, global broth market is projected to exceed USD 2.8 billion by 2024; according to a new research report by Global Market Insights, Inc. changing consumer preference towards animal-based stock as a protein source will drive broth market growth. Rising health consciousness and high disposable income will support the product penetration. Factors such as rapid urbanization and ageing population are anticipated to propel ready to drink broth market size.

North America broth market will witness growth over 4% up to 2024. High disposable income and trend of ready to eat food due to changing lifestyle will propel regional industry size. Increasing consumer consciousness regarding health benefits associated with stock
consumption over traditional soups will fuel product penetration. Asia Pacific broth market size accounted for over 15% of the industry share in 2016. The regional industry growth is attributed  to large consumer base and increasing spending on packaged food. Increasing working women population in the region is also likely to influence product demand. Development of multi outlet food channels will drive convenient buying of products thus, propelling regional industry growth.

Growing awareness regarding personal fitness among young and adults will fuel broth market size. Improved metabolism, bone strength and enhanced immunity are the key health benefits offered by the product. Increasing popularity of rich nutrient beverages to avoid dependency on medicines and health supplements will provide lucrative opportunities for the industry growth.

CFER Labs is your partner in food and drinks R&D. Obtain your free of charge workplan by clicking here.

Sources

D. Hsu, C. Lee, W. Tsai, and Y. Chien, “Essential and toxic metals in animal bone broths,” Food Nutr. Res., vol. 61, no. 1, p. 1347478, 2017.

L. K and H. J, “Microbiome restoration diet improves digestion, cognition and physical and emotional wellbeing.,” PLoS One, vol. 12, no. 6, 2017.

F. Seebohm, “The Tribal System of Wales,” 1904

https://www.cognitune.com/bone-broth-benefits/

The beverage industry is pushing forward at a quick pace and top developments in the field during 2019 should still be oriented for the rise of natural, functional and sustainable drinks; however, consumers are seeking increased value chain transparency and beverage personalization. Discover below some of the top tendencies for 2019 within the drinks business.

CFER Labs is your partner in drinks R&D. Obtain your free of charge workplan by clicking here.

Healthy energy drinks with alternative sources of energy

Energy drinks are one of the fastest growing products in the global drinks market. This growth has been brought by an escalating evident consumer focus on fitness and health. In 2017, the global energy drinks market stood at USD 55 billion and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.7% during the forecasted period of 2018-2023, according to figures from Mordor Intelligence. The biggest oportunities for market growth lie in the European continent and in Asia-Pacific region, respectively due to a scarce offer of healthy, zero-calorie, low sugar functional drinks in Europe and increasing income, rising sports activities and urbanization in the Asia-Pacific region.

The caffeine presence in energy drinks is raising moderate levels of concern. As a result, manufacturers may wish to gradually replace caffeine by naturally energetic plant extracts in new launches for 2019, such as green coffee extract or matcha.

The caffeine presence in energy drinks may gradually be replaced by naturally energetic plant extracts in new launches for 2019.

Hyper functional drinks with ethnic and regional ingredients

According to Beverage Daily, consumers are increasingly willing to seek super ingredients in their drinks, such as goji, aloe vera, turmeric, functional spices or matcha, traditionally used as regional ethnic ingredients with known health benefits. Other ingredients, such as microalgae and mushroom extract are also gaining relevance. Consumers will look for convenient, hyper functional drinks during 2019 as part of a beverage industry gradually mixed with the vitamin and supplement industry.

New launches will reflect consumer demand for overall wellness goals, as improved sleep, cognitive function, beauty, weight loss and gut health, being expectable that new products will address deeper health issues as oral and cardiovascular health.

Consumers are increasingly willing to seek super ingredients in their drinks, such as goji, aloe vera, turmeric, functional spices or matcha.

Plant based beverages

More and more people are introducing plant-based products in their diet for health and sustainability claims. Plant based product claims have grown 62% globally from 2013 to 2017, according to figures from NDP Group. The plant-based eating and drinking movement has been promoted by celebrities, athletes, multinational retailers, food and tech companies and countries such as China. There has been a 600% increase in people identifying as vegans in the U.S in the last three years, according to a survey from GlobalData, and 350% in the UK comparing to ten years ago. According to Nielsen, vegetarianism in Portugal rose by 400% in the last decade.

In 2019 there should be a rise in the offer of plant based drinks, such as vegetable milks and drinks from soy, almond, coconut and oats, plant-based protein drinks and also exotically-flavoured malted beverages.

Almond drink leads the category of vegetable milks along with soy and coconut.

Sustainable beverages

Sustainability is growing steadily to be one of the top concerns of consumers in 2019. This is mainly related to plastic unsustainability due to recent environmental scandals and the origin and trade of ingredients. Data from Nielsen and Mintel indicates that consumers are willing to pay more for products that make claims on sustainability, while Imbibe Magazine states that consumers are using the social media to share messages about the responsibility of the purchase. Eco-friendly packaged beverages and the use of internationally certified fair-trade ingredients should become more prevalent in 2019.

Concerns regarding the origin and trade of the ingredients are becoming more prevalent among consumers.

Clean label and simple communication

Consumers are demanding clean labels and a simple communication on their products to know what exactly they consume and at what level, and national government agencies are supporting this interest. In 2019 this trend should continue to gain momentum.

The soft drinks market has witnessed in recent years the biggest percentage of clean label product introduction in Asia, the fastest growth rate region for clean label products. Within the clean label segment, natural colours are witnessing high demand due to organic and functional claims.

According to figures from Mordor Intelligence, 88% of consumers are willing to pay a premium price for products containing naturally sourced ingredients, and close to 80% of the consumers give importance to reading ingredient lists on the product before purchasing.

The trend for clean label beverages will predictably continue to grow during 2019.

CFER Labs is your partner in drinks R&D. Obtain your free of charge workplan by clicking here.

Sources
https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/energy-drinks-market
https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/clean-label-ingredients-market
HTTPS://WWW.BEVERAGEDAILY.COM/ARTICLE/2018/12/05/TOP-FIVE-PREDICTIONS-FOR-2019-BEVERAGE-TRENDS
https://foodrevolution.org/blog/vegan-statistics-global/

 

Apple cider is a drink mostly associated with Europe and the United States. While it is growing in popularity all over the world, mostly as a naturally gluten free and refreshing alcoholic drink, South America still remains as a mostly unknown market for apple cider.

Scott Jones is a Peru-based English cider maker, one of the first cider makers in the continent and currently the Peruvian cider market leader. In this interview, Scott approached how he started his cider journey, the pros and cons of exploring a virgin market and the challenges for the future.

Hi Scott. Thank you very much for your time for this interview. So, you are the current market leader in the Peruvian cider scene. How did it all start?

Hello, thank you very much for the invite. Well, having taught English in South America for 4 years since 2010, I decided to stay in Peru for longer. The easiest way I could do this was to obtain a business visa, and so I started to think about which type of business I would like to start here. The market for craft beer was in its infancy but growing steadily, but being a cider drinker from the south of England, I didn’t really appreciate the craft beer scene and had been missing cider from home; conversations over beers with expats had often covered what would make a good business, and making cider always seemed to come up time and time again. So the seed had been sown a couple years before I was in a position to consider it as a viable business.

Having decided to start the first cider company in Peru (and probably most South American countries) I took out a bank loan from the UK and wired over to Peru. I immediately discovered how running a business in Peru was going to be, and that was difficult, frustrating and illogical. So the first hurdle was that I couldn’t open a bank account without a visa, but I couldn’t start the visa process without depositing money in a Peruvian account (to show you have funds to open a business) – this would be one of many hurdles I had to overcome to open and run a business as a foreigner in Peru.

Apple cider is enjoying a remarkable growth in world markets, motivated by its low alcohol and natural profile.

Well, we can see that was not an easy start.

Not at all. Once I received my business visa the next problem was to source machinery to produce the cider. The most important machine was a mill to pulp the apple and this had to made from scratch. I paid well above the average for this which was what is known as ‘gringo’ price, I’d soon get used to negociating hard on most prices. I was very lucky to hear about a stainless steel fabricator that made in bottle carbonating machines. The machine was a design rip off of machines that could be found for around the same price in Europe or the US, importing anything into Peru is problematic and high import taxes, so I was happy to pay what would be the same price as Europe or US and not have the headache and stress of importing.

Using my previous Engineering experience I designed and built a sturdy rack and press, and having found a small place to rent I was ready to start production. My first attempt was 300kg of dessert apples, I managed to squeeze 230 litres, and using ‘craft cider making’ book by Andrew Lea I produced my first batch of cider without too many problems.

Who were your first costumers? Was it easy to convince them to consume a Peruvian cider?

My main market to begin with was the expat community and expat owned bars and restaurant, sales were slow as the price point was quite high, so the Peruvian market wasn’t willing to pay the high price and risk the possibility of not liking it. In the first year or two it was mainly expats and tourists consuming my cider.

What about now? How was the market growth?

Having grown my business steadily over 4 years, the demand is now high, there are now other small cider producers in the marketplace but total sales are still low compared to the craft beer scene, which is now saturated with the opening of more and more breweries.

When looking at other countries, like the US or Europe, once the craft beer scene explodes and then becomes saturated, cider then has a boom, I’m guessing 2019 will be the year of cider in Peru.

We hope 2019 is indeed the year of cider in Peru.

Hope so, I believe chances are quite high.


What about your ciders? What is their profile?
At the moment I have 5 different types, a dry, medium and sweet, and also a strawberry and passion fruit flavoured ciders, all made with freshly pressed apples and real fruits the artisan way (this means by hand as I still can’t afford expensive equipment !). The dry, medium and passion fruit are the best sellers. All of them are branded as Oltree Cider.

Oltree is the brand crafted by Scott Jones to enter the Peruvian market – there are currently 5 different types available.

Brilliant. What would you say are the main challenges for the future?

The challenges for the future are big money investors opening more commercial style cideries, my plan is to keep at a medium sized production (less than 50,000 litres a year) and keep the artisan spirit of trying different styles and flavours.

We hope it all goes for the best, and also that your experience might inspire new cider makers all over the world to start their businesses. We know it is certainly not easy.

It is definitely not, but it is worth it. My advice is not giving up, adversities will come but in the end it pays off.

Thank you for your time for this interview with CFER, cheers!

Thank you too, cheers!

CFER Labs