Polyphenolics, Inc.: Growing Through The Grapevine

Polyphenolics in Madera, CA, is a subsidiary of Constellation Brands, which is known worldwide as a leading international producer and marketer of beverage alcohol brands. Polyphenolics was first established in 1996 to produce value-added products from the by-products of the wine and grape juice-making processes.

During its first few years, the company developed a new water extraction process to produce a nutraceutical grade grape seed extract, which challenged the solvent process of some of its European competitors. Polyphenolics was issued a patent for this process in 2003.

Polyphenolics’ vice president of sales, Ron Martin, explained that when Poly­phenolics entered the market, grape seed extract was a hot product. “This was a few years after the second set of information was published on the French paradox in 1992,” he said. “Also, long term we could see offering this product to the beverage and food markets where our sister company, Canandaigua Concentrates and Colors, markets and sells natural colors and grape juice concentrates.”

Polyphenolics’ key products include MegaNatural® Gold grape seed extract, MegaNatural GSKE grape pomace extract, nutraceutical grade grape pomace extract, MegaNatural Rubired grape juice extract and red wine concentrate. These ingredients are used in stand-alone supplements or in blends and are predominantly positioned for cardiovascular health, according to the company.

Polyphenolics’ newest ingredient is MegaNatural Rubired grape juice extract, which has a profile similar to bilberry extract with 50% total phenols and 25% anthocyanins. “This product is be­ing sold as a replacement for bilberry extract or part of a blend with our seed or pomace extracts to produce supplements with a profile similar to purple grape juice or red wine,” explained Mr. Martin. “In the future, grape seed extracts will be major ingredients in functional beverages and foods. One serving of a beverage or food made with grape seed extract can have the same antioxidant capacity as two to three servings of fruit.”

Last year, Polyphenolics moved its primary manufacturing site from the Escalon Winery to the company’s largest facility, Mission Bell Winery, in Madera, CA. Also in 2003, Polyphenolics received self-affirmed generally recognized as safe (GRAS) status for both its MegaNatural Gold grape seed extract and its MegaNatural GSKE grape pomace extract for beverages, cereals, food bars, yogurt and yogurt desserts.

Commenting on the state of the in­dustry, Mr. Martin emphasized that it has reached a point of consolidation and is refocusing on the basics. “The companies that step up to meet the FDA’s Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), continue to do clinical research, seek health claims and reestablish consumer confidence, will grow. Those that do not will fall by the wayside,” he said. “We plan to be in the group that will meet the expectations of the consumer and be around for the long haul.”

Moving ahead into the future, Mr. Martin said, “Polyphenolics will continue to perform clinical trials to prove the efficacy of its products, pursue health claims and educate the consumer on the health benefits of its product offerings. We will also work to expand the use of our products in many beverages and foods and will continue to build a leadership role for our company in the supplement industry.”—T.W.

Polyphenolics, Inc.
12667 Rd. 24
Madera, CA 46530-8435
Telephone: 866-308-7678
Fax: 574-243-9826
E-mail: ron.martin@cwine.com
Website: www.polyphenolics.com