The range is particularly successful in beverage applications, according to the company, which will sell the ingredients worldwide, under the brand name Citrusense. However, it added that the flavors could be used in dairy, bakery, confectionery and snack products.
Quest believes that based on unique cold-processed ingredients, the flavors provide the entire flavor profile of the fruit and non of the "off-flavours" associated with distillation processes requiring heat.
"Citrus is the most important group of flavours within the largest flavor market - beverages," said Scott May, global product manager, noting that citrus flavours represent more than 50 percent of the global market for beverage flavours.
Thanks to technology advances under the Citrusense brand, Quest believes it has created a set of flavors that improve the stability and appearance of beverages.
There are two different types of flavor, namely Citruclear - a water-soluble system designed for clear carbonated or non-carbonated drinks - and Citrustable, a stable flavor system that extends shelf-life.
This range is a taste of what the company has to offer in the future, according to Scott. "More technologies and products will be launched under the Citrusense brand over the next few years."
Meanwhile, Coca-Cola North America announced last week that it would introduce Coca-Cola with lime to the US market in the first quarter of 2005.
"Many people already enjoy a slice of lime with their Coca-Cola so it seemed only natural to include a splash of lime flavor in our flagship brand," said Randy Ransom, senior vice president for Coca-Cola.
The company suggested other drinks would be launched during the coming year, confirming a report published by Fitch rating in November last year that suggested the carbonated drinks market had suffered from the country's increasing interest in weight and wellness and needed to be more creative if it was to avoid stagnating.
In 2003 beverage industry volume was 13.48 billion 192-ounce cases, a 3.2 percent increase from the prior year. During this period, carbonated soft drinks (CSDs) represented around 29 percent of US volume and $63.9 billion of retail value. Forty percent of last year's remaining sales volume was roughly divided between beer and milk, with about 11 percent each, and coffee and bottled water with 9 percent each.
Fitch noted that categories such as bottled water and sports drinks have grown because consumers associate them with a healthier lifestyle.