Sensient Technologies, Milwaukee, said it acquired Vancouver-based Mazza Innovation Ltd, manufacturer of botanical extraction technology. The addition of Mazza Innovation is a major step in the evolution of Sensient’s “seed to shelf” strategy to innovate across the value chain for natural and organic ingredients.

Mazza’s patented solvent-free clean extraction technology expands current extraction capabilities to deliver pure and clean color, flavor, functional nutraceutical and skin care ingredients, the company said. The acquisition will leverage Sensient’s agronomy and sustainable sourcing programs for plant materials, as well as Sensient’s strong extract refinement and application expertise.

“Many of the botanical color sources used today require chemical solvents or high temperatures to be effective,” said Mike Geraghty, president of Sensient Colors LLC. “This patented extraction technology represents a major step change. It is cleaner, more efficient and delivers on the need for clean-label flavor extracts, natural colors, coloring foods, functional extracts and skin-care ingredients.”

The extraction technology was originally developed by Dr. Giuseppe (Joe) Mazza, a longtime researcher with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Mazza recognized that the unique extraction technology would address the growing demand for clean and pure ingredients, Sensient said.

“Mazza’s novel technology enables valuable components of plant materials to be targeted and gently removed simply using water,” said Jeremy Thompson, global head of strategy and innovation for Sensient Flavors and Fragrances.