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Issues and challenges for the supplier of organic food ingredients

T. B. HARDING, AgriSytems International, 125 W. 7th St., Wind Gap, PA 78091

Organic food sales and the interest in organic foods are growing rapidly on a world wide scale. While many of the products available to the consumer require minimal processing other fall into the high value added arena and rely on functional ingredients and additives to assure final product quality and performance. Differences in the availability and functionality of organic ingredients can make product formulation challenging.

This presentation will focus on issues surrounding the development and availability of functional organic ingredients. Key topics include: - Understanding what makes an ingredient organic - Sourcing and availability of functional ingredients - Assuring the quantity and quality needed - Understanding functionality limitations of organic ingredients

This presentation will discuss the issues related to the use of functional ingredients in value added organic food products. It will provide insight for product developers, marketers, and quality personnel either currently in the industry or exploring moves into this dynamic and growing market.

Session 55, Formulation and manufacturing of organic products
2:30 PM - 5:30 PM, Wednesday PM Room N-111

2004 IFT Annual Meeting, July 12-16 - Las Vegas, NV