RFI Ingredients Will Highlight Liquid Extract Technology at IFT First to Support Functional Beverage Formulators

RFI Ingredients, a supplier of vertically integrated whole food ingredient solutions, will exhibit at the upcoming IFT FIRST Annual Event & Expo 2026, highlighting its expanding portfolio of clean-label liquid extracts developed specifically for functional beverage formulations.¹ The showcase addresses growing marketplace interest in specialized delivery formats such as functional wellness shots, ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages, mocktails, syrups, hydration products, and concentrates. The company will be present at Booth #2440 at the event.

How Do These Liquid Extract Solutions Address Manufacturer Challenges?

As supplement and functional beverage manufacturers face increasing consumer demand for health-focused products, formulation flexibility and sensory performance remain key operational challenges. RFI aims to address these needs through its proprietary extraction methodologies, a vertically integrated supply chain, and custom manufacturing capabilities.

According to company executives, these liquid extract solutions are designed to satisfy modern clean-label expectations without compromising crucial elements. “For more than two decades, RFI has been developing liquid extracts that preserve the natural flavor, aroma, and functional characteristics of the source botanical,” stated Jeff Wuagneux, CEO of RFI Ingredients. “IFT is one of the premier events for food and beverage innovation, making it the ideal venue to showcase how our liquid extract capabilities can help brands create products that resonate with today’s consumers.”

What Applications Will Be Available for Sampling?

To demonstrate the functional application of its liquid extracts, RFI will offer event attendees several sample beverages. These formulations include the Beauty Lemonade, which incorporates a fruit blend of apple, strawberries, black currants, cranberries, raspberries, and blueberries alongside hyaluronic acid and collagen. The company will also sample Orange Tereré, featuring yerba mate and natural caffeine derived from green tea, and the Blue Magnesium Calming Drink, which utilizes blue spirulina and a taste-free magnesium bisglycinate chelate. Additionally, the Complete Cranberry Daily Wellness Drink will be available, combining prebiotics, probiotics, and Crantiva cranberry extract.

What Technical Capabilities Define RFI's Extraction Platform?

The technical core of RFI’s liquid extract platform relies on its proprietary Dynamic Liquid/Solid Extraction (DL/SE) technology. This process is engineered to preserve functional actives and flavor compounds during manufacturing. The extraction processes utilize natural and organic systems, incorporating water, ethanol, and glycerin. Alongside custom botanical concentrate systems, the portfolio features standard extracts such as green tea, oolong tea, hibiscus, elderberry, and chamomile. Beyond ingredient provision, RFI provides technical services including custom blending, flavor system development, tincture production, and bottling support.

This framework underpins their "From Field to Formula" business philosophy, which is designed to assist manufacturers through every stage of development. “Food and beverage developers are looking for ingredient partners that can do more than simply supply raw materials,” explained Wuagneux. “They need technical expertise, formulation support, reliable sourcing, bottling support, and scalable manufacturing. To that end, our From Field to Formula approach allows us to serve as a true innovation partner from concept through commercialization.”

How Does RFI's Digital and Technical Infrastructure Support Formulators?

The focus on liquid extracts aligns with the company's broader digital and technical infrastructure enhancements implemented earlier this year. In March 2026, RFI launched a redesigned corporate website designed to streamline formulation support and enhance accessibility for R&D teams and brand owners.² The updated digital platform highlights RFI's end-to-end capabilities, including sustainable sourcing and clean-label processing standards. The platform provides expanded technical information on its advanced delivery technologies introduced in recent years. These include ProMulsion, a line of emulsions designed to optimize active ingredient bioavailability, and Infusome, a liposomal delivery technology that targets cellular nutrient uptake using rigorous batch-level particle-size testing to ensure uniformity. It also details the FermaPro multi-step microbial fermentation process, which has been shown to increase total polyphenol content and bioavailability in berry powders.

What is the Broader Market Impact for Supplement Manufacturers?

By integrating advanced extraction capabilities with these established delivery technologies, RFI aims to provide manufacturers with the tools required to accelerate product development timelines. The company’s presence at IFT FIRST 2026 offers an opportunity for industry developers to examine how these combined formulation services and ingredient systems can be utilized to meet evolving consumer expectations for functional transparency and natural nutrition.

References

1. RFI Ingredients. RFI Ingredients to Showcase Liquid Extracts at IFT-FINAL.docx. Press release. June 26, 2026. Accessed June 26, 2026.
2. McEvoy E. RFI Ingredients launches redesigned website to enhance formulation support and innovation. March 3, 2026. Accessed June 26, 2026. https://www.nutritionaloutlook.com/view/rfi-ingredients-launches-redesigned-website-to-enhance-formulation-support-and-innovation