The new year starts well for the beverage industry as dried coffee cherries from Coffea arabica L. and Coffea canephora Pierre ex A. Froehner, commonly named cascara, were finally authorized as a traditional food from non-EU countries and will be added to the union list of novel foods (Annex to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/2470). Cascara, the pulp of the actual coffee fruit, is widely cultivated in coffee-producing regions. From now on, coffee cherry pulp can also be used in Europe for the preparation of infusions as well as hot and cold beverages (flavoured and unflavoured). However, certain labeling requirements must be met. If the caffeine content in the beverages exceeds 150 mg/L, the label has to contain a warning for children as well as pregnant and lactating women.
If you deal with traditional foods from non-EU-countries and would like to speak to our novel food experts, get in touch. Our team can support you in the development of an excellent innovation strategy.