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IFF has unveiled its latest innovation, Powerfresh Ace 2000, a bread fresh-keeping enzyme designed to enhance the shelf life and quality of baked goods.

This launch addresses the growing consumer demand for longer-lasting freshness in bread products, positioning IFF as a key player in the competitive US bakery market.

In a recent survey, 60% of US consumers expressed a preference for bread marketed as “fresher for longer,” highlighting a significant opportunity for bakeries to enhance their product offerings.

Powerfresh Ace 2000 promises to deliver improved softness and resilience for up to 34 days, effectively meeting these consumer expectations while also minimising operational complexities for bakeries.

Clementina Dellomonaco, senior vice president of food biosciences at IFF, said: “Whenever we enhance the consumer experience, we help our customers build stronger brand equity, drive repeat purchases and unlock long-term growth”.

This sentiment reflects IFF's commitment to providing innovative solutions that not only meet market demands but also support bakeries in maintaining a competitive edge.

As ingredient costs rise and consumer expectations for freshness increase, US bakeries are under pressure to maintain product quality without escalating operational challenges.

Powerfresh Ace 2000 addresses these issues by offering superior performance across both white and whole-wheat bread applications. The enzyme solution is designed to ensure stable loaves with excellent texture and mouthfeel, while also preserving the soft, easy-to-butter quality that consumers prefer.

Emily Wagener, industry leader for food and beverage enzymes for North America at IFF, commented: “As a staple food, bread is a regular fixture in consumers’ baskets – so expectations for quality are high and constant".

The introduction of Powerfresh Ace 200 allows bakeries to optimise existing formulations or create new ones, ultimately enhancing product quality and operational efficiency.

Powerfresh Ace 200 is the latest addition to IFF’s established Powerfresh portfolio, which focuses on delivering consistent bread quality and efficiency.

This new enzyme not only aids in extending distribution capabilities but also aligns with sustainability goals by reducing waste and optimising resource management throughout the supply chain.