dsm-firmenich, Nous launch Koncentra: caffeine-free botanical targets energy, focus

London, United Kingdom

dsm-firmenich has partnered with Italian functional ingredient start-up Nous to commercially offer Koncentra, a novel caffeine-free botanical ingredient targeting enhanced energy, focus, and mood. This collaboration positions dsm-firmenich as the lead for Koncentra's clinical trials, regulatory compliance, and formulation integration into food and beverage applications. The move aims to capitalise on growing consumer demand for balanced energy solutions devoid of caffeine's typical side effects, such as jitters and energy crashes, as articulated by Ingrid Damen, Director of Global Business Development and Beverages at dsm-firmenich.

Koncentra's formulation combines ashwagandha, ginkgo biloba, holy basil, and oats. Nous developed the blend through selective botanical screening, employing a proprietary and sustainable natural extraction technology. This process is designed to preserve the integrity and efficacy of the bioactive compounds, ensuring consistent performance and scalability. The manufacturer highlights the ingredient's potential to offer sustained performance, providing a clear competitive edge over traditional caffeine-based products.

dsm-firmenich's investment in Nous supports Koncentra's continued development and claim substantiation. The ingredient specialist will leverage its deep consumer insights, application expertise, and regulatory knowledge to refine product concepts and validate compliant botanical solutions, expediting market readiness. Koncentra is presented in a soluble powder form with a low effective dose, designed for seamless integration into various food and beverage matrices without negatively impacting taste, colour, or visual clarity.

The market shift towards 'jitter-free' alternatives is a critical driver for this development. While caffeine remains dominant in the energy sector, consumers are increasingly aware of its drawbacks and are seeking natural options that sustain long-term energy levels and cognitive performance. Lorenzo Pessini, CEO and founder of Nous, commented on this opportunity, stating Koncentra represents a new generation of botanical ingredients offering sustained energy with focus and mood support without overstimulation. This positions Koncentra against other non-caffeine alternatives like Beneo's Palatinose and Nektium's Zynamite, a standardised mango leaf extract.

What this means for United Kingdom

UK supplement manufacturers and brand owners should consider Koncentra for product portfolio diversification, tapping into the rapidly expanding caffeine-free energy market. The backing from dsm-firmenich provides a strong foundation for regulatory approval, particularly important for EFSA novel food applications and MHRA compliance. Formulators can expect a reduced development cycle due to Koncentra's solubility and low effective dose, mitigating R&D costs. Retailers like Boots and Holland & Barrett are actively seeking differentiated, scientifically-backed functional ingredients, offering a prime channel for Koncentra-based products. Early adopters can gain first-mover advantage in a segment projected for double-digit growth, avoiding the saturation and price competition prevalent in the standard caffeine market.

This trend is being actively addressed by UK manufacturing partners including Supplement Factory.