Sean Moloughney07.01.10
Established in order to expand research and development of grape-derived products, San Joaquin Valley Concentrates, Fresno, CA, has harnessed the potential of red grapes to benefit the health of consumers.
Offering creative natural solutions for product formulators, the company produces ActiVin, a grape seed product extracted from fresh, unfermented grapes. ActiVin consists of the same beneficial ingredients found in red wine for improved heart health, said Celina Lopez, marketing/customer service. The ingredient is manufactured using a patented natural process, which involves a hot water extraction of polyphenolic compounds from dry grape seeds.
ActiVin is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) for use as a natural preservative, flavor modifier and emulsifier. As such, it can be added to a variety of products, including carbonated beverages, fruit juices, breakfast cereals, health bars, fats and oils, milk, ice cream and frozen yogurt. Since 2006, the company has sold more than 75,000 kgs of ActiVin to the food, beverage and nutraceutical industries, according to Ms. Lopez.
A standardized extract that is also kosher-certified, ActiVin contains a high fraction of oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs), which are widely recognized in the scientific community for superior health benefits, according to the company. ActiVin has been shown to possess a wide range of antioxidant, chemoprotective and biological properties.
The polyphenolic bioflavonoids in grape seeds, which include OPCs, are some of the most potent antioxidants. ActiVin is a highly concentrated source of OPCs, which delivers the power of these flavonoids in a convenient, alcohol-free form to help the body fight free radicals and the damage they may cause, the company maintains.
Grape component potency is directly related to rapid preservation of active components. This is why the company is located in California’s wine region—the largest raw material source. Formerly known as Dry Creek Nutrition, Inc., the company also employs strict quality control standards and extraction process protocols.
The company also offers grape seed flour/fiber and natural colorants. “In 2010, we added driers and mixers to our facility to produce a wide variety of natural colorants in different hues, intensities and forms,” said Ms. Lopez.
Generally speaking, the company has escaped the pressure imposed by poor economic conditions. “There may be a slight decrease in sales, but for the most part, sales have been consistent,” Ms. Lopez noted. “So the struggling economy has not impacted our businesses greatly.”
As it moves forward with production and distribution of well-researched and highly successful grape-derived products, San Joaquin Valley Concentrates will maintain its core values and strengths, said Ms. Lopez. “Our company implements innovation and creativity—always—and in turn, has helped us evolve over the years. And we continue to do so.”—S.M.
San Joaquin Valley Concentrates
5631 E Olive Ave
Fresno, CA 93727
Telephone: 559-458-2578
Fax: 559-458-2564
E-mail: celina.lopez@sjvconc.com
Website: www.activin.com
