Sensient Natural Ingredients has changed its name to Sensient Agricultural Ingredients, signaling a new focus on agricultural products and sustainable farming practices. The rebranding separates this division from the company’s other units, such as its food color and pharmaceutical sectors, and reflects the company’s evolving role in providing ingredients for the plant-based food industry.
“It may feel like a small change, but [it’s] an important indicator of our differentiators within the industry”
The name change comes as Sensient Agricultural Ingredients expands its product offerings with the introduction of two new chile varietals: Puya Sol™ and Sierra Sunrise™ Datil. Both chiles, set to be commercially available in 2026, are grown in the US and add to Sensient’s growing portfolio of dehydrated ingredients, including garlic, onion, parsley, and various capsicums.
In a statement, Steve Morris, president of Sensient’s Flavors & Extracts Group, noted the significance of the rebrand: “It may feel like a small change, but the new name is an important indicator of our differentiators within the industry. We wanted to honor the generational relationships with our farmers and the valuable and reliable supply that those connections create with a name that highlights our priorities and unique product range.”
‘Spicing up’ product development
The new chile varietals, Puya Sol™ and Sierra Sunrise™ Datil, are designed to meet the growing demand for bold, flavorful ingredients in plant-based foods. Puya Sol™ features a mild to medium heat level with a rich, sweet flavor that’s reminiscent of guajillo but with added fruity, tomato-like notes. It is ideal for use in sauces, dressings, and even desserts.
According to Aret Meyer, general manager of Sensient Agricultural Ingredients, these new products address a clear demand for diverse and flavorful ingredients in the plant-based food sector. “The demand for heat is as prevalent in meat alternatives as it is in any other category. Therefore, new launches in the chile category give non-meat customers more alternatives to ‘spice up’ their product development,” Meyer told vegconomist.
Traceability from farm to fork
Sensient Agricultural Ingredients is committed to maintaining a sustainable and traceable supply chain. The company works with a select group of US-based farmers to ensure that all ingredients are non-GMO and traceable back to the farm level.
Meyer continued, “The fact that we are growing these chiles in the United States with a select few growers means that we have absolute traceability down to the farm level. At this time, we are not looking at growing any of these new chiles outside the USA. If we ever do, it would once again be under contract with very specific growers within our network.”
This approach ensures that Sensient can provide high-quality ingredients that align with the sustainability goals of plant-based food manufacturers. The company’s work with local farmers ensures that the ingredients are both high in quality and grown in an environmentally responsible manner.