FAIRFIELD, N.J. — Salt of the Earth Ltd. has appointed A&B Ingredients, Inc. as its exclusive distributor of Mediterranean Umami for the US and Canadian markets. Mediterranean Umami, which has been shown to reduce sodium up to 45 percent in various food products, won an IFT Innovation Award this year at IFT17, the Institute of Food Technologists’ annual meeting and exposition.

Mediterranean Umami, a proprietary blend of vegetable extracts and sea salt, also may enhance umami flavor profile, according to Salt of the Earth, based in Atlit, Israel. It may be used in place of monosodium glutamate (MSG) and yeast extracts.

“There is a strong demand for sodium reduction and natural products in these large and dynamic markets, with increasing regulation from both the FDA and Health Canada to support sodium reduction,” said Dovik Tal, CEO for Salt of the Earth. “A&B Ingredients has a unique focus on clean label solutions combined with strong technical support and competence, making them a natural choice for this partnership. We hope to offer Mediterranean Umami to new clients that seek natural sodium reduction solutions and flavor enhancement.”

Fairfield-based A&B Ingredients develops, markets and distributes food ingredients.

“Mediterranean Umami is a groundbreaking ingredient delivering an incredible umami flavor profile while being all-natural and clean label, allowing food companies to develop tastier and healthier products,” said Gil Bakal, CEO for A&B Ingredients. “It is a perfect fit for our product portfolio and market focus.”