OLESSENCE™: A Global Innovation with Local Flavor

At Kemin, we believe that innovation knows no borders—but success lies in understanding them. Our philosophy of “Think Global, Act Local” is more than a catchy phrase; it’s a strategy that drives how we develop, adapt, and deliver solutions that meet the unique needs of customers around the world. One of the compelling example of this philosophy in action is the evolution of our OLESSENCE™ product line in our Food Technologies group.

From Italy to the World: The Birth of OLESSENCE™

OLESSENCE™ began in Europe, specifically Italy, where our team saw potential in a byproduct of extra virgin olive oil production—olive extract. Rich in hydroxytyrosol, a powerful antioxidant, this ingredient aligned perfectly with the principles of the circular economy: turning waste into value.

The first formulations blended olive fruit extract with natural plant extract like rosemary and green tea to create a full-spectrum antioxidant solution. OLESSENCE™ solutions result in synergistic plant-extract blends designed to enrich flavor and extend freshness in baked products, where olive oil is a familiar and culturally resonant ingredient. Incorporating plant-derived food ingredients can help extend shelf-life, ensure product quality, and meet consumer demands. Kemin internal data and trials with customers confirmed its effectiveness in preserving flavor and extending shelf life in baked goods like breadsticks, biscuits, cookies and crackers.  

“We started from a very typical ingredient in Italy—the water-soluble olive fruit extract, a byproduct of extra virgin olive oil production. By exploiting the synergies between natural components, we created a balanced antioxidant profile that could be tailored to different food segments,” said Serena Martini, Technical Lead for OLESSENCE™ development in Europe. “It’s a great example of how a local insight can become a global solution.”

China: Innovation in Beverages

While Europe focused on bakery and meat, China saw an opportunity in beverages. The team developed OLESSENCE™ BV, a variant tailored for soft drink applications. This was a bold move into a segment less explored in Europe, showcasing how regional teams identify and act on local market opportunities. 

North America: Extending Shelf Life in Meat and Poultry Applications

Inspired by the success in Europe, Kemin’s North American teams are focusing on OLESSENCE™ for the meat and poultry industry. In a U.S. study on cooked chicken patties, the OLESSENCE™ R Liquid—combining rosemary extract and olive extract—demonstrated strong antioxidant performance and improved sensory acceptance compared to rosemary alone. This formulation helped address a common challenge: maintaining shelf life without compromising flavor.¹

A Growing Family of Solutions

OLESSENCE™ continues to evolve. New variants like OLESSENCE™ P (for protein), G (for sauce and dips) were recently launches. A new dry formula for bakery application will be launched soon and a liposoluble version for cooking oils are in development. These adaptations reflect ongoing collaboration across Kemin’s global business units, each customizing the product to meet local regulatory, sensory, and functional needs. 

Why is Global Innovation Important to Kemin?

OLESSENCE™ is more than a product—it’s a testament to how Kemin’s global R&D can be locally activated to solve real-world challenges. From bakery in Italy to meat in the U.S. and beverages in China, each region brings its own insights, needs, and creativity to the table.

This is how we “Think Global, Act Local.” And it’s how we continue to deliver value—one market, one solution, one story at a time.

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Sources:
1. Rosemary Extract and Olive Extract Improve Oxidative Stability of Ground Chicken Patties