PureCircle, Firmenich strike distribution agreement for natural flavor

Producer of stevia ingredients PureCircle has made a multi-year global distribution agreement with Firmenich, a fragrance and flavor company, to accelerate the commercialization of PureCircle's new natural flavor, NSF-02.

PureCircle announced the launch of its new PureCircle Flavors product line earlier this month, including NSF-02.

NSF-02 is designed specifically to work well in combination with the company's high purity stevia sweeteners, Reb A and SG-95, and sugar or high fructose corn syrup, enhancing flavor, sweetness and taste of food and beverages.

The flavor modifier delivers a range of better tasting, low cost, natural product formulations, with reduced calories.

Under the agreement, Firmenich will have exclusive rights to commercialize NSF-02 both as a stand-alone ingredient and within the company's flavor systems.

PureCircle will retain rights to distribute directly in select accounts.

Both companies will further collaborate on marketing and regulatory activities that will accelerate the adoption of the new flavor modifier across global markets, beyond the US where NSF-02 has generally recognized as safe (GRAS) status awarded by the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA) of the US.