In September 2023, Kerry Ingredients announced the successful trial of a novel flavoring technology that combines monosodium glutamate (MSG) and natural extracts. The technology aims to enhance the overall flavor profile of food products by blending MSG's umami-rich functionality with the natural, clean flavor of natural extracts. Blending the two allows manufacturers to develop more complex and balanced taste experiences without deviating from the natural taste.
This new technology will be consumer-friendly in terms of looking for cleaner labels and natural ingredients without compromising on MSG's intense, savory flavor. Through the combination of natural extracts and MSG, Kerry Ingredients maintains MSG's potency as a food flavor enhancer while responding to the rise in demand for healthier, more transparent foods. To provide a richer sensory experience that is pleasing to the taste buds of today's consumers, the company intends to integrate this innovation into a range of food items, from snacks to sauces. With businesses continuing to look for innovative solutions to address the changing demands of sustainability, taste, and health, the breakthrough is a major development in the food sector.
In August 2023, Mei Ah Foodstuffs International introduced ready-to-eat meals supplemented with Ajinomoto MSG through a strategic tie-up with a leading food delivery platform. The aim of this collaboration is to utilize the widely known umami-enhancing characteristic of MSG to enrich the flavor profiles of their offerings. Through the use of Ajinomoto MSG in their offerings, they will meet the growing demand for convenient, tasty, and edible meals by providing consumers with a more satisfying and richer taste experience.
This alliance shows the way MSG is being used more and more in food today, particularly in prepared foods where taste is key to customer acceptance. Mei Ah Foodstuffs International ensures that their products are not just convenient but also provide a better taste that is appealing to a broad segment of consumers using Ajinomoto MSG. These meals are now more accessible to busy consumers who appreciate taste and convenience through the collaboration with the food delivery platform. This project reflects the shifting food production, delivery, and processing patterns, wherein convenience and flavor enhancement are concurrent to meet modern customer demands.
The Monosodium glutamate industry accounted for about USD 4.4 billion as of 2021 and is expected to reach up to about USD 9.8 billion by 2031, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.5% during 2022-2031.
The market for MSG has developed by leaps and bounds with a high rise in convenience and processed foods consumption because such foods enhance taste profiles as well as pure gustatory joy. The world demand for MSG is being triggered by the surging consumption of processed foods among emerging nations through urbanization as well as altering food preference habits. Repetitive optimization in MSG-producing procedures has come up with grades that have minimal sodium content coupled with enhanced solubility and so attract wellness-driven consumers with more applications than ever before.
However, despite its popularity, MSG safety concerns still persist in some circles, with a small percentage of individuals reporting sensitivities. Nonetheless, global health organizations, including the FDA, have declared MSG safe for consumption when used within established guidelines, allowing its continued use in food processing.
Sources:
Company: Mei Ah Foodstuffs International.inc. Ajinomoto.inc
News outlet: Businesswire.com
