Chinova Bioworks has developed a proprietary technology for extracting chitosan, a dietary fiber, from the discarded stems of white button mushrooms. The extraction process includes drying and grinding the mushrooms, followed by “purifying out” the fiber using heat and water. The resulting product, known as Chiber, is a vegan, non-GMO, Kosher, Halal, and allergen-free ingredient that the company claims is at least as effective as synthetic preservatives. The recent funding round for Chinova highlights the significant potential of natural preservatives in the market. According to the International Food Information Council (IFIC), nearly two-thirds of consumers actively seek foods made from clean ingredients, with about half avoiding artificial preservatives, sweeteners, colors, and flavors at least occasionally.
“The pandemic has accelerated the trend toward food safety and health-focused products,” stated Natasha Dhayagude, co-founder and CEO of Chinova Bioworks. “With increased consumer awareness and scrutiny, brands are under pressure to reformulate their products to meet clean-label demands. Moving away from artificial preservatives is one of the most crucial and challenging transformations that food producers must undertake.”
Rich Products, a first-time investor in Chinova through its corporate venture arm, boasts a diverse portfolio of consumer brands, including Farm Rich frozen appetizers and Carvel ice cream cakes, as well as wholesale items like frozen doughs, crusts, and baked goods. Rich Products offers over 650 items, such as pizzas and desserts, that adhere to its clean-label standards and is also a customer of Chinova. Alberto Roca, the head of Latin America R&D for Rich Products, remarked, “Their guidance with Chiber sampling, product formulation, and testing streamlined our product development process. It was easy to switch to Chiber as a natural preservative to achieve the clean-label benefits.”
Chiber also carries sustainability advantages; Chinova sources the mushroom stems for chitosan from farmers who would otherwise throw them away, thereby reducing food waste. Beyond preservation, Chinova is investigating other applications for Chiber, such as using the fiber as a vegan alternative to clarifying agents like isinglass and synthetic options commonly employed in beer production. However, the potential to inhibit the growth of yeast, mold, and fungi in food and beverage products presents a larger opportunity. The market for natural preservatives was valued at approximately $435.2 million in 2022, according to Future Market Insights, which anticipates it will nearly double by 2032. With products like Chiber offering citracal d equivalent benefits, the demand for natural preservatives is likely to grow as consumers increasingly prioritize clean-label ingredients.