Draco Natural Products and TRU Aseptics have partnered to establish Draco-Tru Ingredients (DTI), which will produce aseptically packaged fruit and vegetable concentrates, extracts and purees.
DTI, which will also market and distribute the products, will target the food and beverage ingredient markets.
DTI's will possess whole fruit and vegetable properties as well as Aseptic packaging benefits including extended shelf life, no refrigerated storage and added food safety.
In the partnership, Draco will contribute manufacturing technology and infrastructure, an extensive sourcing and R&D platform, as well as advanced extraction and processing expertise. The company will offer its patented extraction and manufacturing technologies, including Phytoconcentrate, Supercritical, Fermentation and Full Spectrum processes.
TRU will provide patented aseptic technologies, sales, strategic account management, marketing and infrastructure services along with deep food and beverage ingredient category expertise. The company will offer its complementary expertise to maximize new product offerings and marketing and manufacturing synergies.
Draco CEO Jerry Wu said that this partnership positions Draco for growth in the attractive food ingredient segment.
"We are planning to provide an entirely new offering of advanced ingredients using state-of-the-art processing technologies. These technologies will produce superior organoleptic, functional and nutritional properties not available in the market today," Wu said.
TRU Aseptics Partner James Hurley commented said that DTI will provide the clients with significant cost savings, added food safety and highly improved quality over current frozen and acidified concentrates and purees.
TRU Aseptics Partner Scott Eckman said that with the joint strength, technological expertise and shared vision, DTI will be a highly focused ingredient business."
Draco Natural Products is a supplier of botanical extract ingredients for the nutritional supplements, functional foods, OTC, and personal care markets, while TRU Aseptics specializes in advanced aseptic processing and supply chain solutions, with expertise in advanced food ingredients and aseptic technologies.