At the ISM 2016 the company Beneo showcased its new Isomalt translucent gum coating technology for the first time. This innovative coating process enables chewing gum manufacturers to create attractive products that deliver in terms of translucence and shine, while also maintaining stability throughout their entire shelf life.
The translucent coating has been made possible thanks to Beneo’s sugar replacer Isomalt. Isomalt is the only sugar replacer that crystallizes transparently. This unique characteristic makes it the coating of choice for those producers looking to create shiny pellets with innovative visual effects. The new technology allows for multi-coloured gum centres with translucent hard-coating for the first time ever. Also, extraordinary colours, as well as added print and sparkle effects are now possible and remain visible throughout the shelf life.
Beneo’s unique Isomalt translucent coating technology offers new ways to create appealing gum products on existing production equipment. Gum coated with Isomalt has a fine, delicate crunch, excellent flavour release and it is not prone to chipping or cracking during production or transport.
Thomas Schmidt, Marketing Director at Beneo, comments: “The chew­ing gum market is in need of fresh ideas to re-ignite sales and Beneo’s translucent coating technology offers fantastic scope for new product innovation.  For the first time multi-coloured centres can be made visible, leading to new visual possibilities in the market that will create excitement for the consumer and manufacturer alike.”
Being the only sugar replacer derived from beet sugar Beneo’s Isomalt has a sugar-like, mild sweet taste. It has received EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) health claims for both its low glycaemic and toothfriendly characteristics. Also the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a dental health claim. Both are opening up further marketing opportunities for confectionery producers. Technical samples were available at Beneo booth in Cologne, alongside market samples from the first manufacturers who have adopted this innovative technology.