Synergy Flavours celebrates 140 years of flavour extraction expertise in Italy with new hop essences range
Synergy Flavours is introducing a new range of hop essences to celebrate 140 years of flavour extraction at its site in Trieste, Italy.
Synergy acquired the site, formerly named Janoušek, in 2018, to expand its European footprint and to maintain and build on the organisation’s reputation for high quality extracts and natural flavourings.
The hop essences have been developed at the site in Trieste, a result of the Italian team’s heritage in flavours and extraction of natural ingredients combined with the expertise of Synergy’s colleagues in the US.
- The essences, which are suitable for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beers, are the newest addition to the Synergy Pure range, and are currently available in three varieties:
- Chinook, an earthy sweet hop which is well suited to ales and stouts;
- Centennial, which possesses floral and tropical notes, suited to pale ales, IPAs and bitters; and a hop variety from Slovenia (SL) that is best paired with pilsners and lagers due to its earthy notes and floral and fruity aromas.
The hop essences comprise only hops and water to ensure a clean taste delivery without any added bitterness, and can also be used to mitigate the overly-sweet notes which can sometimes be present in non-alcoholic beers. The steam-distillation process used to extract the hop essences can help save time, reduce costs, and improve yield compared to traditional dry-hopping processes.
The essences are declarable on-pack as natural hop extract.
Janoušek opened its doors in October 1883, as one of the world’s first suppliers of herbal extracts and natural flavourings.
After 135 years of serving customers across Italy and continental Europe, Janoušek was acquired by Synergy Flavours, part of the Carbery Group, in 2018. Synergy Italy has a firmly rooted connection to the community of Trieste, where it continues to deliver sustainable initiatives and provide employment opportunities.
The Mayor of Muggia, Paolo Polidori, is attending the local 140-year anniversary celebrations at the Synergy site to thank the company for its long-standing contribution to the area.
As well as enhancing Synergy’s global portfolio of flavourings and essences, the Trieste operation also supports Carbery Group in its dairy and nutrition market offering, enabling Synergy to provide local support in Continental Europe, while improving access to the Middle East and North Africa.
Since the acquisition, Synergy Italy has achieved strong growth, with an 82% increase in sales revenue between April 2018 and June 2023. The team has also grown by 64% in the same period, with minimal staff turnover following the acquisition.
Eric Zabiolle, managing director and head of sales Europe, Synergy Italy, notes the excitement within the company to be celebrating such an important anniversary.
“From the traditional extraction techniques employed by Janoušek that are still in operation today, to the modern steam distillation extraction process which we used to develop our hop essences, Synergy is proud to showcase its Italian heritage and craftsmanship, Zabiolle enthused.
“We look forward to continuing to serve food and beverage customers around the region and supporting Synergy’s global operation with Italian-made essences and flavours.”
Sebastiano Pagano, CEO, Synergy Flavours Europe, said of the anniversary: “140 years is an impressive milestone in any company’s history, and to still be helping customers internationally with their flavour requirements is testament to the passionate and skilled people who have been part of the company’s journey over the years. We continue to invest in Synergy Italy and look forward to another 140 years of innovative taste solutions.”
