Alland & Robert becomes a member of the VALORIAL network for food innovation
Alland & Robert is proud to announce that we’ve become a member of the French network Valorial, the first network devoted to agri-food innovation through a collaborative approach.
Product innovation is at the heart of the success of Alland & Robert, thanks to a constantly evolving Research & Development strategy.
Joining Valorial enables us to continue our work in applied and basic research while collaborating with other organizations, sharing development projects and creating innovation challenges. With nearly 400 members including manufacturers, research centers and higher education establishments, the Valorial network brings together a community of over 10,000 innovators driven by the same ambition: imagining the food of tomorrow.
In addition, because Valorial is located in France’s Grand Ouest region (Europe’s leading agri-food hub), it’s a great opportunity for Alland & Robert to participate to local projects and get involved in our home region of Normandy !
On the occasion of Alland & Robert joining the network, Valorial interviewed our R&D Director Dr. Isabelle Jaouen, and the article is available online.
A dedicated team and high-technology equipment
Today’s knowledge provides the foundation for future innovation. We aim at supporting our clients in providing the most natural, safe and environmental friendly products to end-customers.
Alland & Robert laboratory is based in Normandy, working on developping recipes, testing products, and meeting the customers expectations.
A team of 4 is fully dedicated to Applied Research in order to continuously launch innovation projects and develop the applications of tree exudates. In addition, our laboratory regularly acquires the latest equipment, and we use a trained panel for sensory analysis in applicative research.
Partnerships with universities and research organizations
Alland & Robert has developped close partnerships with various internationally recognized universities, and we develop R&D programs in order to acquire the best knowledge of gum, with the support of Ph.D students, master trainees and up-to-date research teams.
Alland & Robert is committed to a strong partnership with IATE (University of Montpellier, France), an international laboratory renowned for their knowledge and expertise about acacia gum. In addition, we regularly work with various food innovation and research networks.
Alland & Robert, winner of the International Life Sciences Awards 2023
We are pleased to share that Alland & Robert has been named “Manufacturer of natural gum of the year 2023” by the International Life Science Awards.
On July 26, 2023, Global Health and Pharma Magazine announced the winners of the International Life Sciences Awards 2023. Alland & Robert is proud to be amond the winners.
This is the 8th year of the International Life Sciences Awards, which celebrate a wide scope of excellence shown across the global Life Sciences industry.
The International Life Sciences Awards focus on innovation and endeavours to recognise those that are going above and beyond. Their goal is to spotlight the work of businesses that are making meaningful steps forward.
Violaine Fauvarque, Marketing & Sustainability Manager at Alland & Robert declared: “Alland & Robert is privileged and humbled to receive this award, recognizing excellence in our field and our work for high quality and service. This is a shared award. We are hugely grateful to all collaborators and stakeholders who have supported us along the way”.
We remain committed to our mission and look forward to using this positive recognition to further our contributions to our industry.
We look forward to continue to work together and achieve excellence and be a force for good in our industry.
Global Health & Pharma Magazine wrote about the International Life Science Awards 2023:
Operating in an industry rife with cutting-edge technologies, scientific advancements, and evolving regulatory requirements, life sciences companies are constantly working to keep up with new developments and stay ahead of their competitors. In this, innovation is at the forefront of their minds. Their breakthrough discoveries can impact the lives of patients across the world by facilitating the development of novel products and treatments.
The last few years have revealed the true resilience and strength of the life sciences industry as it faced the Covid-19 pandemic head on. Whilst we have now returned to normalcy in 2023, the effects of the recent years are still fresh in our minds. We have not forgotten the role our key healthcare businesses and organisations played in enabling us to reach the other side of the pandemic.
Access the special edition of Global Health & Pharma media with the full list of winners
Gum acacia, nutritional improvement & nutrition labels
In Europe, the Nutri Score has become a simple but essential key that food manufacturers take into account when formulating innovative products. What role can acacia play in nutritional labelling?
Did you know that the addition of acacia gum can help to improve the Nutri Score of food products ? Our research has shown that acacia gum can support the creation of healthier food products and help improve their nutritional information and labelling.
WHAT IS NUTRITIONAL LABELLING? THE EXAMPLE OF EUROPE & THE NUTRI SCORE
The Nutri-Score, also called 5-Colour Nutrition label, is a european rating system displayed on food products in order to convey information on the nutritional quality of foods. It takes into account both nutrients to limit (calories, saturated fat, sugars and salt) and elements to favour (fibre, proteins, nuts, fruits and vegetables).
Food products are assigned a colour (from green to red) and letter from A (healthier) to E (less healthy) based on the resulting score, calculated per 100g or 100ml. As a science-based front-of-pack nutrition label, the Nutri Score helps consumers make healthier food choices.
The Nutri Score is now available in France, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, Spain, The Netherlands and Luxembourg. But other countries have nutrition labelling that are equivalent, such as Australia and New Zealand and their ‘Health Star Rating System’ composed of 5 stars.
Nutritional labelling is very much liked by consumers, as it is one the best tools they have at their disposal to make informed, healthy choices. For food manufacturers, the Nutri-Score is becoming a simple but essential key to take into account when formulating innovative products: it is encouraging manufacturers to improve the nutritional value of their products!
HOW TO REFORMULATE PRODUCTS : THE POSITIVE IMPACT OF GUM ACACIA
Gum acacia can be used as an ingredient in food formulations to help improve certain aspects that contribute to a better Nutri-Score. Here are a few:
REDUCED FAT CONTENT: Acacia gum can be used as a fat substitute in certain food applications, such as dressings, sauces, and baked goods. It helps compensate the effects of the reduction of fat content in a formulation with acacia gum. The overall fat content and caloric density of the product can be reduced, which can lead to a better Nutri-Score.
SUGAR REDUCTION: Acacia gum has adhesive properties and can be used as a binding agent or stabilizer in food products such as nutritional bars, to make all ingredients stick together. It will also enhance the sweetness or flavor of a product, which makes it possible to reduce the amount of added sugars used to achieve desired texture and mouthfeel, without compromising taste. Lower sugar content can result in an improved Nutri-Score.
FIBER ENRICHMENT: Acacia gum is a dietary prebiotic fiber that can be added to food products to increase their fiber content, which is one of the factors considered in the Nutri-Score calculation. Higher fiber content is associated with a healthier nutritional profile.
CALORIE REDUCTION: Acacia gum has a relatively low caloric content compared to other ingredients used in food processing. By replacing higher-calorie ingredients with acacia gum, food products can achieve calorie reduction, which can positively impact the Nutri-Score.
IMPROVING NUTRITIONAL LABELLING: THE EXAMPLE OF MULTIGRAIN BISCUITS
Biscuits are extremely popular and even though their sensory and texture characteristics can differ, they are convenient, have long shelf life and provide a great experience to consumers. However, biscuits can also have a very low nutritive value as they are generally made with wheat flour and have high glycemic index.
In this situation, fiber enrichment and sugar reduction are concrete solutions to add nutritional value to baked products in general, and meet the consumers’ expectations.
The Alland & Robert R&D team worked on the formulation of biscuits with acacia gum and measured its impact of various criteria such as sugar content, texture, appearance or sensory experience.
The research, summarized in a technical paper that can be requested for download, showed that biscuits with acacia gum are generally preferred and categorized as “high quality” in sensory analysis. Their characteristics and nutritional value are improved, compared to their control recipes without acacia gum. The addition of acacia gum is particularly interesting when combined with sugar reduction, which is today an strong requirement from customers all over the world.
The R&D team used a standard multi-grain recipe of biscuit with a Nutri Score C. They reformulated the recipe with a 30% reduction of sugar content and a 3% addition of acacia gum, which produced a Nutri Score of A.
ACACIA GUM, RECOGNIZED AS A DIETARY FIBER
In Europe, acacia gum has long been recognized as a fiber. Nutrition claims are applicable for acacia gum: either “source of fiber” or “high in fiber”, depending on the dosage*.
In the United States, acacia gum can be classified as a fibre for nutrition labelling purposes since December 2021. This decision from the FDA has allowed acacia gum to count as a dietary fibre on American Nutrition and Supplement Facts labels.
Strong scientific literature demonstrates that Acacia gum is a fibre. The FDA has agreed that acacia gum has physiological effects beneficial to human health, such as the reduction of blood glucose and insulin levels after it is eaten with a meal containing a carbohydrate that raises blood glucose levels.
ACACIA GUM, A NATURAL, VEGETAL & SAFE SOLUTION FOR THE FORMULATION OF FOOD & DRINKS, WITH A POSITIVE IMPACT ON DIGESTIVE HEALTH
A study commissioned by Alland & Robert from an independent consumer research organization established the positive impact of acacia gum on gut health and digestive wellness. In recent years, the gastrointestinal (GI) system has been linked to numerous aspects of health. Alland & Robert decided to research to role acacia gum can play in gut health, evaluate the impact of acacia gum on consumers who suffer from intestinal disorders regularly and provide scientific data that support the use of acacia gum as a gut health agent.
Acacia gum, also known as gum arabic or E414, is a natural, vegetal, safe and healthy additive used in flavours, beverages, confectionery, dairy, bakery and dietary products. Acacia gum is today found in thousands of day to day products all over the world.
Alland & Robert guarantees a minimum fibre content of 90% for all products of its range “Acacia Fibre“. Organic and other certifications are available upon request.
While acacia gum can support the creation of healthier food products, the overall composition and balance of ingredients play a significant role in determining the Nutri-Score. Acacia gum is one tool among many that food manufacturers can utilize to enhance the nutritional profile of their products.
*Local legislation should always be checked for labelling options during the formulation of food products.
DOCUMENT DOWNLOAD: Corporate Responsibility Report 2022
We are excited to announce that our Corporate Responsibility Report 2022 is out!
Discover Alland & Robert’s sustainability policy for 2022 as well as our actions to support our stakeholders and preserve the environment. This report also covers our low-carbon commitments, our certifications and Corporate Foundation.
Complete the form. You will receive the document by email.
(You may not receive it immediatly, it may take a little while)
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Introducing DemeCare®
DemeCare® is a new range of natural gums for the formulation of clean, organic and sustainable cosmetics.
Our innovative range is composed of 12 products based on acacia gum, sterculia gum, and their blends which are patent pending. Each product offers various functional properties and is available organic.
DemeCare®, based on Alland & Robert’s expertise of natural gums
Alland & Robert has in-depth expertise in the functional properties of natural gums, and we believe our expertise, combined with the high-quality of our products, can be beneficial to cosmetics formulators.
According to Lucie Birchler, cosmetic expert in the R&D team of Alland & Robert, “the properties of natural gums are manifold: they can therefore be used to great advantage as emulsifiers, texturing agents, tightening agents, technological aids, film-forming agents, suspensoid agents and sensory improvers.”
After extensive applicative research and a lot of testing our laboratory, we were able to determine the combination of natural gums suitable for each expected properties in cosmetic products. Today, we are beyond excited that our research allowed us to create DemeCare®, the perfect range for the formulation of natural and safe cosmetics.
Cosmetic expert Lucie Birchler is working in Alland & Robert research laboratory.
Natural gums have numerous functional properties…
…including properties essential to the formulations of natural cosmetic products such as skincare, cleansing gels and make-up. From mascaras, eye-liners and lipsticks to lotions by way of creams and haircare products, vegetal gums in general and acacia gum in particular, are considered by formulators as natural, completely harmless and healthy ingredients.
Thanks to their viscosity and rheological and texturing properties, they bring
stability and texture to cosmetics. They can also be used as emulsifiers in lotions or serums which require specific textures.
Loredana Dattilo, General manager at Grif Cosmetics, said: “Acacia gum enriches the consistency and coating ability of mascaras, for example. It helps with emulsification when combined with other natural surfactants for liquid foundations. More generally, the touch is more “melting” in the presence of acacia gum and the difference is noticeable in the comparative tests we carried out.“
A growing and changing market
In ten years, the cosmetics market has changed completely. Consumers are now looking for natural, simple and ethical products that are good for them and the planet. More transparency and responsibility is expected from brands, which must reformulate or create beauty products and cosmetic that fit these expectations.
The properties of natural gums make it possible to respond to the evolution of recent societal trends, in all their diversity. A real miracle product, they combine nutritional, functional and also environmental benefits. In order to answer this expectation for transparency, DemeCare® products are organic and Cosmos certified, and the receive the maximum rating according to the ISO 16128 Standard, which defines the ingredients of natural and organic cosmetics.
Interested in DemeCare® ?
2022 looking promising for ALLAND & ROBERT
Alland & Robert finished the year 2021 with a 10.4% increase in turnover. This was driven by the overall rise in demand for acacia gum. In 2022, we will continue our growth in new markets. Here is an overview our (many!) current and future projects.
A new production line, expanded product ranges, and recognition of the nutritional qualities of acacia gum are some of the developments and projects which will shape the coming months at Alland & Robert.
To support our intense activity in 2021, we have already recruited twenty employees in the R&D, Production, Quality, Logistics and Sales teams. This trend is set to continue.
A fourth production line to be built in Normandy
In 2022, Alland & Robert will begin constructing its fourth production line in its Saint-Aubin-sur-Gaillon factory in the department of Eure. “The €11 million investment we announced at the end of 2020 is coming to fruition. This project will ultimately increase our production capacity by 45%, of natural gums.” adds Charles Alland, deputy general director.
The launch of DemeCare®, a new range of natural gums for cosmetics – COSMOS certified !
The Demecare® range features twelve products made with two natural gums, gum sterculia and gum acacia. Since it was founded, Alland & Robert
has been developing a comprehensive knowledge of natural, plant-based gums. Alland & Robert is now providing its expertise to cosmetics brands for the formulation of clean, sustainable, organic skincare and beauty products to address the needs of today’s consumers.
The United States Food & Drug Administration (FDA) recognises the nutritional qualities of acacia gum
At the end of December 2021, the FDA announced that it intended to include acacia gum in the FDA definition of dietary fibre, rubberstamping the results of several clinical studies by a working group of manufacturers including Alland & Robert. Two specialist clinical nutrition laboratories, including a university, designed and conducted these tests. According to the studies, acacia gum specifically reduces blood glucose and insulin levels when included in meals with carbohydrates. “This FDA decision will be felt beyond the United States as many countries apply the FDA guidelines in their local markets. It also confirms the benefits of acacia gum on human health,” explains Violaine Fauvarque, communications and marketing manager.
Acacia gum can improve the nutri-score of biscuits from C to A
Following its study into the gut health benefits of acacia gum (insert link), Alland
& Robert conducted various trials on biscuit formulations. We wanted to demonstrate that acacia gum helps formulate healthy and natural biscuits. The key finding of the trials was that the Nutri-Score of a classic multigrain biscuit recipe improved from C to A, the best rating, as sugar was reduced by 30% and acacia gum was introduced.
Acacia gum also had a positive impact on the texture, crunchiness, and crumbliness of biscuits. In nutritional terms, acacia gum enhances them with prebiotic fibre with high digestive tolerance, which is particularly useful for people with irritable bowel syndrome or who are sensitive to the presence of FODMAPs. This will whet the appetite of manufacturers in the extremely promising biscuit market, who are always looking for innovations to improve their recipes.
Concrete commitments to combat global warming
Alland & Robert also intends to bolster its short-term environmental commitment. By 2025, the company will reduce its greenhouse gas emissions per kilogram of processed rubber by a fifth. “These objectives are specific and realistic, and are in line with the 2015 Paris Agreement,” explains Violaine Fauvarque, communications and marketing manager. To this end, the firm has established a concrete action plan based on its carbon footprint updated in 2020. Several levers will be used, and will concern freight, packaging, and training staff to adopt green habits. The biggest progress will be made in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the production workshops. At the same time, Alland & Robert is continuing its reforestation initiative in the Sahel and its investment in the Great Green Wall through the Alland Company Foundation. This African project is designed to create a “green barrier” to the desert by planting trees over 8,000 km in around twenty African countries. This initiative has allowed Alland & Robert to plant over 8,000 trees since 2020 and it has been able to support projects that help local communities live off forest products.
French market supported by agreement with new distributor
To undergird its growth in France, Alland & Robert signed an agreement with Firmalis at the end of 2021. Firmalis specialises in the distribution of speciality ingredients and flavours to the food and nutraceutical sectors. Its teams will complement those of Alland & Robert in France. As well as supporting business
development, Firmalis will be able to offer customers tailored and proactive solutions.
Organic acacia gum launched for the public in France
Alland & Robert declared the launch of its new organic acacia gum for the French public in late January 2022. Acacia gum is now available for kitchen enthusiasts to purchase on Greenweez and Shopify. “By offering acacia gum, Alland & Robert is meeting the requirements of consumers who want a healthier, more natural and organic diet,” explains Anne-Sophie Alland, head of strategy and development. To introduce the public to the properties of acacia gum, it has jointly developed recipes in with Clémence Catz and Vanessa Fouquet, two authors and chefs who specialise in plant-based cooking.
ACACIA GUM, a prebiotic fiber now FDA APPROVED !
Acacia gum is a natural source of fiber that will bring benefits to any food & beverages.
Acacia gum is safe and natural ingredient, and comes from an exudation of wild acacia trees growing in the African desert. From a chemical point of view, acacia gum is a complex polysaccharide. Also know as acacia fiber, gum arabic or E414, acacia gum is recognized as a dietary fiber and can be added to any product formulation to increase the percentage of fiber.
An ideal ingredient for natural and healthy products formulation
100% plant based and natural, acacia gum can be present in food and beverages as texture agent, emulsifier, stabilizer, and for its high fiber content.
Acacia gum can be easily added in any formulation of food and beverages: it does not impact the taste or color of products, and has a low calorie count. Alland & Robert research has proven that acacia gum is resistant to acidity and heat, and has a very slow fermentation, which means a very small evolution of the fiber content during the shelf-life of food products.
In addition, acacia gum is ideal for the formulation of food and beverages that contain low fat or low sugar, and of vegan products, because acacia gum helps to compensate the loss of texture, volume and mouthfeel. These qualities makes acacia gum ideal for dietary applications and supplements and for fiber enrichment purposes.
The FDA approval: a decision with international repercussions
Since december 2021, acacia gum has been approved by the American FDA as a dietary fiber, and can now be classified as a fiber for nutrition labelling purposes in the United States.
Strong scientific literature demonstrates that acacia gum is a fibre. The FDA agreed that acacia gum has physiological effects beneficial to human health, such as the reduction of blood glucose and insulin levels after it is eaten with a meal containing a carbohydrate that raises blood glucose levels. Two laboratories specialized in clinical nutrition, including a university, designed and carried out these tests.
“This FDA decision will have an impact beyond the United States as many countries apply US Food and Health Authority guidelines in their local markets. It also confirms the benefits of acacia gum on human health,” explains Dr. Isabelle Jaouen, R&D Director at Alland & Robert.
In Europe, acacia gum is recognized as a fiber and there can be allegations depending on the dosage, such as “high in fiber” or “source of fiber”.
A prebiotic fiber with a positive impact on gut health
Acacia gum is a prebiotic fiber, which means several studies have shown it has a positive effect on the microbiome and helps the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut.
Acacia gum generally supports the human microbiota and is used in formulation for lowering the glycemic index of food products. Highly soluble in water, acacia gum is very low in calories very slowly fermented, which means a very small evolution of the fiber content, and a great digestibility and tolerance, which meet the needs of people with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) or sensitive to FODMAP.
In addition, Alland & Robert studied the benefits of acacia gum on gut health through a large consumer study in 2021. Our results evidenced that our product improves global digestive wellness and relieves the symptoms of intestinal discomfort. The intake of acacia gum has a beneficial effect on global consumers’ health, and thus acacia fibre is an efficient ingredient for the formulation of gut health friendly food and beverages.
ACACIA FIBRE, a natural, vegetal and safe range of acacia fiber by Alland & Robert
Alland & Robert created ACACIA FIBRE, a specific range that offers a guarantee of minimum 90% fiber content (international method AOAC 985-29).
All products from the ACACIA FIBRE range contain only one ingredient: natural acacia gum. Alland & Robert provides both seyal and senegal grade references, and all products are available organic or conventional. Our manufacturing process does not include any chemical transformation of the product, which keeps its functional and nutritional properties intact.
ACACIA FIBRE products are certified non-GMO and suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets. Our technical assistance provides tailor-made solutions to help you formulate healthy, safe and natural products. We are the international expert of acacia gum since 1884.
Adding more fiber, an important and necessary evolution for the world population
Many studies point out that consumers all over the world do not eat enough fiber daily. Fiber deficiency is a health topic for millions of people, as it can lead to irregular bowel movement, constipation, blood sugar fluctuations, lack of satiety after eating or a rise in cholesterol levels.
A “miracle ingredient”, acacia gum combines nutritional, functional and environmental strengths with unique properties to respond to the need for more fiber, as well as other consumers demands such as more natural, plant-based, multifunctional and sustainable ingredients.
American FDA has recognized the dietary fibre status of acacia gum.
International expert in natural gums Alland & Robert is delighted that acacia gum can be classified as a fibre for nutrition labelling purposes in the United States.
This decision from the FDA was made public on December 17, 2021, and will consequently allow acacia gum to count as a dietary fibre on American Nutrition and Supplement Facts labels. Strong scientific literature demonstrates that Acacia gum is a fibre. Today the FDA agreed that acacia gum has physiological effects beneficial to human health, such as the reduction of blood glucose and insulin levels after it is eaten with a meal containing a carbohydrate that raises blood glucose levels.
Research has convinced the Food & Drug administration
Alland & Robert, along with a work group of acacia gum stakeholders, has submitted two citizen petitions in 2019 and 2020 in order to provide the FDA with data showing proof that acacia gum has indeed “physiological benefits to human health”.
Dr. Isabelle Jaouen, R&D Director at Alland & Robert said: “We have provided the FDA with numerous data coming from several clinical trials to support our request that acacia gum be recognized as a dietary fiber. Two laboratories that specialize in clinical nutrition, including one university, have been mandated for the design and realization of the clinical tests. Our citizen petition included data showing the benefits of acacia gum on blood glucose levels”.
A great news for acacia gum customers in the United States
Commenting on the FDA decision, Mr. Frédéric Alland, CEO at Alland & Robert said : “We are extremely satisfied that the FDA agrees with us that acacia gum is a fiber and can be labelled as such. It’s a great news for the American consumers, who will be able to enjoy this natural ingredient in their daily food. Alland & Robert remains committed to providing the highest quality of natural and non-GMO Acacia Fiber”.
Acacia gum, a natural, vegetal and safe solution for food & drinks
Acacia gum, also known as gum Arabic or E414, is a natural, vegetal, safe and healthy additive used in flavours, beverages, confectionery, dairy, bakery, dietary products, pharma and cosmetics among others. Acacia gum is today found in thousands of day to day products all over the world.
Alland & Robert guarantees a minimum fibre content of 90% for all products of its Acacia Fiber range.
In the United States, Alland & Robert is exclusively distributed by FARBEST BRANDS.