Weekly Tidbit
July 15, 2026
As expected day 3 was slower than day 2 but attendance steady until close to the earlier than usual closing time of 2:00pm
Overall two key themes stand out :
Each of these trends offers formulation opportunities and challenges, many of which are addressed by hydrocolloids.
Fermentation vs Precision Fermentation: a grey area. Precision fermentation, however, goes well beyond fermentation biopolymers like xanthan, gellan, curdlan etc. A fats and oils company in the start-up pavilion showcased the potential for precision fermentation even if not in the hydrocolloid/texture field. The regulatory aspects for precision fermentation products will keep lawyers well occupied.
Also in the start-up pavilion, agar was featured as a health-promoting ingredient in an innovative beverage application. Another interesting offering from the same company was a new agar grade with a texture that falls between traditional and creamy agar, providing formulators with a new option for texture design.
Seaweed flour is all about clean label, but it does not appear to be a cost-saving alternative. Intuitively, we assumed that seaweed flour, being less processed than carrageenan or agar, would also be less expensive. In reality, however, production requires extensive cleaning of the raw seaweed and remains relatively labor-intensive. Combined with the higher use levels typically required compared with extracted agar or carrageenan, the cost-in-use is actually higher. The primary advantage of seaweed flour is its clean-label appeal, which, for many applications, may not be sufficient to justify the additional cost.
MC/HPMC remains irreplaceable. Suppliers AND users of these cellulosics confirm there is NO alternative that can mimic or match the UNIQUE thermoreversible gelling properties of MC/HPMC.
As always, it is great to reconnect with old Hydrocolleagues and friends and make new ones. If we did not get a chance to connect, please forgive us. The show was slow for most exhibitors but not for IMR. We did our best to see as many of you as possible.
Safe travels home, and see you at the next IFT, if not before, at the FIE in Frankfurt, 17-19 November, or FI China in Shanghai.... Have gum will travel.
