Suntava earns Ag Innovator Award for helping reach new markets
By Heather Thorstensen
hthorstensen@agrinews.com
Date Modified: 09/23/2010 8:58 AM
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AFTON, Minn. — The Agricultural Utilization Research Institute has given their Ag Innovator of the Year award to Suntava, an Afton-based company that derives their products from purple corn.
The award is given to a company for innovation and for helping Minnesota-grown agricultural products reach new markets. It was presented in June.
Suntava's Purple Corn is grown in southwest Minnesota as well as Iowa and Wisconsin. It's a proprietary non-GMO variety bred by Lee and Joann French, who sit on Suntava's board of directors.
They developed the corn over the last 13 years, said Tom Trost, who works for Suntava in business development. The corn was grown in two hemispheres to accelerate development with two growing seasons per year.
Suntava uses the corn's natural pigment to create a food colorant. They sell it as a natural alternative to Red Dye 40 to food manufacturers nationwide and internationally. The colorant is used in a variety of foods, from baked goods to beverages.
Pigment is extracted from the corn in a water-based process, leaving the starch, protein, and oil of kernels intact. The grain is sold and made into whole grain flour for products such as corn chips, tortilla chips and cereals.
Suntava is also developing a way to use Purple Corn's antioxidants in dietary supplements, cosmetics and food.
A traditionally-bred corn variety allows Suntava to cater to customers looking for all-natural products.
"I think consumers are really demanding a non-GMO because consumers, especially now, are reading labels. They're really concerned about what they're eating," said Trost.
The company was established in 2007. In addition to their office in Afton, they have a laboratory in St. Paul.The company employs 10 people.
"We love the concept that agriculture and economic development go hand in hand to bring about value for the state," said AURI executive director Teresa Spaeth.
Trost declined to say how many acres are used to grow Purple Corn. Suntava works with roughly five growers on a contract basis.
"We're always looking for growers," said Trost.
AURI provides scientific technical assistance for the development of new, innovative uses for the state's agricultural commodities and co-products. The organization has worked with Suntava for a number of years by providing grants, laboratory assistance and helping with their processes.
"AURI has really been a big help to us," said Trost. "It's really important to have them behind you and support you."