The many advantages of grape juice concentrate for the food and beverage industry

From the popular “petimezi”, the grape syrup used as a sweetener in ancient Greece, to the versatile “defrutum”, the thick grape juice used to sweeten or preserve fruits and meats in ancient Roman cuisine, grape concentrate has become a highly valued ingredient in food and beverage production. Today, this product is revolutionizing the food industry, because it offers endless advantages for manufacturers seeking quality and innovation. In this post we discover how concentrated grape juice can transform the production processes of food companies and how it can help meet the demands of the most demanding consumers.

• 5 advantages of concentrated grape juice for the food industry
• JULIÁN SOLER: 100% authentic grape juice concentrate

5 advantages of concentrated grape juice for the food industry

In a market increasingly oriented towards healthy, natural and indulgent products, grape must concentrate represents a multi-benefit option:

1 The quality of the grape concentrate

Grape juice concentrate stands out for preserving the natural properties and nutrients of the fruit. It is the natural juice extracted from fresh pressed grapes and from which water is partially removed by a vacuum evaporation process. A method that is carried out under controlled conditions of pressure and temperature, to ensure that the concentrated grape juice retains the multiple nutrients and the attractive sensory profile (color, sweetness, acidity, aroma, astringency…) of the fresh juice, as well as the natural properties of the fruit:

• Vitamins: mainly A, C, K and E.
• Minerals: potassium, iron, phosphorus, calcium, etc.
• Potent antioxidants, such as resveratrol.
• Fructose and glucose, as the only natural sugars. It does not contain sucrose. 

On the other hand, provided it is stored properly, concentrated grape juice has a longer shelf life than non-concentrated NFC juice. During the concentration process, as its water content is reduced, microbial growth is also inhibited. This shelf life is a valuable advantage for producers who require a constant supply of grape juice, allowing them to keep a high quality juice concentrate in stock for long periods of time. 

2 Continuity in production processes

One of the main challenges in the food industry is to ensure operational continuity in the production line. In this area, concentrated grape juice represents one of the main solutions, as it can be purchased and stored 365 days a year. What advantages does this availability represent for producers? It allows them:

• Accurately plan production and avoid interruptions, as they can access concentrated grape juice at the time they require it. This eliminates the uncertainty of grape availability due to seasonality or other factors such as weather. 
• Elevate control in the supply chain. In an industry where demand can fluctuate significantly, having continuous availability of concentrated grape juice allows manufacturers to adjust their production levels and respond quickly to market changes.

Of course, to ensure the high quality of grape concentrate throughout the year, food companies must partner with grape concentrate suppliers that have the equipment and advanced technology for storage. Specifically, they must employ state-of-the-art refrigeration and/or freezing systems, so that the concentrated grape juice is kept at optimal temperatures and preserves all its organoleptic and nutritional properties.

At JUIÁN SOLER Soler we have a unique production process to obtain a 100% authentic grape juice concentrate, allowing us to maintain the colors, acids and natural sugars of the grape, without preservatives or additives. We use state-of-the-art refrigeration and freezing methods for the storage of our product, which allows us to preserve the nutrients and, especially, the high color intensity of the red must concentrate throughout the year. 

3 Ease of transportation

As explained above, in the concentration process, a large percentage of the water it contains is extracted from the grape juice. In this procedure, the juice undergoes a reduction of its total volume, obtaining a grape concentrate with only ⅓ of the original volume, and without losing the flavor or the characteristic properties of the fruit. 

What does this volume reduction mean? A double logistical advantage for food companies that use grape concentrate as a raw material. Because it takes up less volume, it requires less storage space and larger quantities of juice can be transported in each shipment. This simplification of transport and storage of grape concentrate makes it a more cost-effective and user-friendly raw material. Mainly:

• It allows truck and container loading to be optimized, which reduces transportation costs. For example, grape juice concentrate can be transported in various formats, such as aseptic drums, palletized IBC bags and flexitanks. Thus, manufacturing companies can choose the packaging method to transport grape juice concentrate according to their corporate needs.
• It has a direct impact on the profitability of the final product. This cost saving helps to offer more competitive prices in the market.
• Contributes to environmental sustainability. With a lower volume of grape concentrate, there is also less need for transportation. This translates into a significant reduction of CO2 emissions associated with the shipment of goods.

4 Marketing of various food products

The versatility of red or white grape juice concentrate is one of the main advantages for food and beverage processing. Thanks to its ability to enhance the color, flavor and nutritional values of multiple food products, this juice concentrate is a valuable ingredient for a variety of applications, such as:

• Natural sweetener, in desserts, baked goods, other fruit juices, sports drinks, energy bars, dietary supplements, etc.
• Natural colorant. Red grape concentrate is used as a powerful natural colorant in ice cream, jams, soft drinks, energy drinks, cookies, cake fillings, among other products.
• Food and beverage fortification. For example, grape juice concentrate free of allergens, preservatives and other additives is used to sweeten and enhance the nutritional profile of baby foods such as purees, cereals and juices.
• Preservative. Due to its concentration of natural sugars, this concentrated juice is used to extend the shelf life of juices, nectars, jellies, jams, etc.
• Energy drinks. These products can be enhanced with antioxidant minerals, vitamins and natural sugars from grape concentrate.

5 In food and beverage innovation

Today’s consumers are increasingly concerned about their well-being and health. They demand delicious and attractive foods and beverages that are also beneficial to the body. They prefer products without preservatives, synthetic colorings or artificial additives. Grape juice concentrate aligns perfectly with these market trends, due to its natural properties and nutrients that positively impact health. For example:

• It is rich in antioxidants, mainly resveratrol. This micro-compound protects cells and reduces the risk of chronic or cardiac diseases.
• It has positive effects on cardiovascular health, improving blood circulation and reducing blood pressure.
• Improves the immune system. The vitamin C contained in grape concentrate helps protect the body against diseases and infections.

In addition, the ability of concentrated must to both enhance the flavors and colors of foods and provide nutritional value helps manufacturers to innovate, to create products that can stand out in the marketplace. For example:

• Functional foods or beverages. These are products that provide extra health benefits.
• Healthy snacks, such as cookie bars or other snacks enriched with grape concentrate to create indulgent products that are not only delicious but also highly nutritious.
• Energy drinks and other products that can improve physical performance in sports. Thanks to the natural sugars contained in the concentrated must, it represents a quick source of energy.

JULIÁN SOLER: 100% authentic grape juice concentrate

In JULIÁN SOLER we lead the production and distribution of concentrated white and red grape juice, free of additives, preservatives and allergens. Through our know-how we have designed a unique process to deliver a 100% authentic product, making it reach any country in the 5 continents. We have an advanced Research and Development department that not only guarantees the high quality of our grape concentrates, but also bets on innovation in the food industry and customizes the properties of the must we elaborate, according to the needs of our customers.

Where in the world are you located? Contact us. Find out why we are your Global Grape Solution Supplier.