Botanic specificity

Lycopene, belonging to the carotenoids, is a tetraterpene compound abundantly found in tomato and tomato-based products. It is fundamentally recognized as a potent antioxidant and a non-pro-vitamin A carotenoid. It is believed to modify the course of chronic conditions, including neoplastic diseases. Clinical research results confirm its protective effects on the cardiovascular system.

Consumer trend

The health benefits of lycopene such as the fact that it protects from degenerative diseases, owing to its anti-cancer properties are the prime growth drivers of global lycopene market.

Sourcing challenge

Considering the demand and health benefits of lycopene from tomatoes, there has been great efforts to obtain tomato extracts with high lycopene, to optimized extraction yield and cost. Conventionally, Lycoene is extracted using organic solvents like hexane, chlorofrm and acetone. However, the toxicity of those solvents is a major problem for food applications. Ensuring a gently yet optiized extraction of lycopene from tomatoes remain one of the sourcing challenges for this ingredient.