The company says that its Rapidase Smart Clear ingredient guarantees manufacturers an easy way to achieve completely clear juices and concentrates.
Pectinase is an enzyme used to break down pectin, found in the cell walls of plants and fruits. Pectinase enzymes are commonly used in processes involving the degradation of plant materials, such as speeding up the extraction of fruit juice from fruit.
Rapidase is the result of DSMs extensive research into fruit processing enzymes. The product contains pectinases and arabanases that have been specifically developed to provide efficient breakdown of the complex macromolecules released into juice during processing.
This, claims DSM, means Rapidase Smart Clear ensures optimal juice filtration and outstanding stability of clear concentrates.
We have developed Rapidase Smart Clear in response to the demand for cost-effective products in the apple and pear juice market," said Hans Baetens, product manager of DSM's beverage enzymes.
"This innovative pectinase works effectively whatever the variety of fruit, either fresh or from cold storage, at any stage during the ripening season."
The market for enzymes is estimated to be growing at around 2 to 3 per cent year on year, though there are signs that certain sectors such as the bakery enzyme market, which currently constitutes about a third of the overall food enzyme market, could bring strong gains.
According to a report last autumn by Frost & Sullivan, Europe's food enzymes market was valued at 200m in 2004.
The market researcher said health and nutrition were one of the biggest growth drivers, and that new product development would be particularly crucial at a time of price sensitivity and increasing market competition.
Rapidase Smart Clear is derived from traditional and self-cloned strains of Aspergillus Niger. DSM said that the product is preservative free, Kosher and Halal approved and complies with all international requirements for food enzyme preparations.
Rapidase Smart Clear is also specifically designed to work in synergy with the recently launched maceration pectinase Rapidase Smart. The company also recently launched Rapidase Intense, a pectinase for use in a wide range of berries including blackcurrant, sour cherry, raspberry and strawberry.