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The latest news, trends, analysis, interviews and podcasts from the global food and beverage industry

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  • Oct 14, 2024
  • 2 min read

T. Hasegawa USA has introduced a new ‘Orange Juice Replacer’ solution that amplifies natural citrus profile and minimises raw ingredient use, aiming to stabilise costs for beverage manufacturers.


The global flavour manufacturer said its solution can provide relief for beverage brands currently impacted by fluctuating costs and supply shortages caused by an incurable citrus greening disease, Huanglongbing.


This bacterial disease destroys citrus trees such as oranges, lemons, grapefruit, lime and others, limiting production of fruit or yielding fruit that is bitter and unusable for juice production. It is becoming a growing issue around the world, including in North America, impacting food and beverage manufacturers.


According to T. Hasegawa, its solution enhances oranges’ flavour profile and minimises the amount of traditional orange juice required in a product formula without compromising taste.


It is available in powdered and liquid forms, and comes in Not From Concentrate and From Concentrate varieties. It is suitable for a range of applications including ready-to-mix beverages, ready-to-drink beverages such as cocktails and energy drinks, juices and juice blends, syrups used in foodservice products, frozen drinks and more.


T. Hasegawa USA’s associate director of beverage technology, Toshifumi Nozawa, said: “Orange Juice Replacer is the latest in our line of flavour enhancers that are designed to reduce reliance on raw materials. Manufacturers can maintain the high quality of their beverage products while ensuring that supply shortages and cost fluctuations will not disrupt production or increase prices with consumers.”


Earlier this month, the company launched a cocoa powder replacement solution, aiming to address the ongoing global cocoa shortage and allowing manufacturers to reduce their reliance on raw cocoa while maintaining the desired flavour profile across multiple categories, including confectionery and beverages.


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Leah Smith

Leah Smith

8 May 2026

Ella’s Kitchen launches new children's snack range

Ella’s Kitchen is expanding beyond the baby food aisle with the launch of Ella’s Kitchen Kids, a new product line aimed at children aged 18 months and older.


The launch marks a significant strategic move for the brand as it looks to extend its presence beyond the weaning category and capture growing demand for healthier snack options for toddlers and young children.


Positioned as a “better-for-you” alternative to traditional children’s snacks, the new range combines bold flavours, playful branding and convenient formats with the nutritional standards parents associate with the Ella’s Kitchen brand.


The company said the range was developed in response to changing family eating habits and the lack of minimally processed snack options for older toddlers outside the baby aisle.


Initial products include Ella’s Kitchen Kids Crunchy Stix in Cheese + Onion, Tomato + Basil and Pesto varieties, alongside Ella’s Kitchen Kids Wild Crackers available in Tomato + Oregano, Pea + Basil and Carrot + Rosemary flavours.


Designed for lunchboxes, picnics and snacking occasions, the products are formulated with reduced salt levels and classified as non-HFSS options. According to the company, the Crunchy Stix contain less than 0.04g of salt per pack, while the Crackers contain less than 0.05g per serving.


Emma Wood, Senior Brand Manager at Ella’s Kitchen, said: “Ella’s Kitchen Kids is about recognising that the journey doesn’t stop at baby food. As little ones grow, their tastes, independence and routines all change – but parents still want options they can feel good about.”


The launch also signals Ella’s Kitchen’s wider ambitions within the children’s snacking market, with additional products and categories expected later this year.


Wood added that the company aims to help “raise the standards of the kids’ food category” by balancing taste, convenience and nutrition.

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