White mulberries: Healthy for humans, lucrative for entrepreneurs

"A generous gift from nature" is the motto of Immunflex, the brand that mainstreams the consumption of white mulberries, a superfood. Founded by Tijen Ziyal, a 55-year-old entrepreneur, architect, designer and traveler, Immunflex offers the high nutritional value of white mulberries in different forms, including dried fruit, white mulberry flour, leaf powder, molasses, lozenges, extracts and tea.

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It all started with a visit to the eastern Anatolian city of Erzincan's Kemaliye district, a region famous for its mulberry trees, Ziyal told Daily Sabah in an exclusive sit-down, where she offered the delights cooked with mulberry flours and leaf powder and a delicious Turkish coffee with minted mulberry extract.

During her visit to Kemaliye, Ziyal saw the unattended mulberry trees from which large amounts of fruits went to waste because of unregulated and inefficient harvesting methods. "This miraculous fruit should not be wasted, and people should be more aware of its health benefits," she said.

"When I visited Kemaliye, I saw mulberry trees everywhere. After doing extensive research on mulberries, I came to realize that they have numerous health benefits," Ziyal said. To complement her study and create a project out of her initial thoughts, she contacted professors from Istanbul University and Bezmialem University.

Embarking on a nearly four-year journey of research and development (R&D), production and development (P&D), and marketing, Tijen finally introduced Immunflex last year in August. During this adventure, she garnered immense support from her daughter Gözde and her husband Namık, and her idea was welcomed by scholars from the Istanbul University School of Pharmaceuticals, the Istanbul-based Bezmialem University Phtyotherapy Center and the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBİTAK) Marmara Research Center for Food Institute.

"As a female entrepreneur, I decided to get involved in a social responsibility project to create awareness about nourishment in a system where sweeteners, additives and preservatives are big problems and force past nutritional standards to the backburner. I promise the next generation a community and society that produces, not consumes," she said when talking about the gist of her idea that gave birth to Immunflex.

One year after entering the market, Immunflex now has a broad range of products that can be used as ingredients to make tasty cheesecakes, cookies, salty snacks or molasses to pour on pancakes, as well as tea leaves to brew to boost healthy digestion. One can cook muffins without flour as well as cakes with no sugar with mulberry flour.

Moreover, Ziyal also produced a delicious beverage from mulberries called "Tea of Peace." Combined with a quince, lemon peel, baobab fruit, clove and dandelion, the Tea of Peace maximizes the relaxing effect of mulberry leaves while boosting the immune system. It is a product Immunflex jointly developed with the TÜBİTAK Food Institute and Bezmialem University's Phtyotherapy Center.

"Mulberries are one of the strongest fruits available in the nature in terms of their protective and healing qualities," Ziyal highlighted and continued, "In Turkey, you can see mulberry trees everywhere. No harmful pests attack the trees, so there is no need for pesticides, and it is very safe to consume straight from the tree." Ziyal is very right indeed as there is a very famous saying in Turkish, "You see, all these areas used to be filled with mulberry trees (Buralar hep dutluktu)." People use this phrase when describing the previous life of very developed and crowded areas, particularly in Istanbul.

In fact, mulberries can be found in many parts of the world; yet, they originated in the Far East along the Silk Road from China to Turkey. As the silkworm's food of choice, Mulberry trees flanked the famous route that traded goods and culture between China, Persia, Europe, the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Today, mulberry trees are found in many yards and neighborhoods.

Ziyal is now running her operations on 20 decares in Kemaliye and will soon establish a large facility to produce Immunflex products and broaden the operations while providing employment for more people.

As a female entrepreneur with great insight and imagination, Ziyal is also considering opening up her land for agritourism; a project that will allow guests to harvest mulberries during the season from June to August while experiencing the excellent mountainous nature of the region full of fresh air.

Superfood with vitamins, proteins and antioxidants

Speaking of the health benefits of mulberries, Ziyal underscored that white mulberries include certain oil acids that the human body cannot generate and only get from food. These oil acids, she explained, are used in the composition of cell membranes in addition to their benefits for the development of the neural system.

"Containing high amounts of antioxidants, vitamins and proteins, white mulberries are categorized as superfoods today," Ziyal said. She also added the fruit is one of the best solutions for illnesses including but not limited to anemia, obesity, cholesterol and diabetes. Mulberries' levels of antioxidants are 79 percent higher than blueberries and 24 percent more than those found in cranberries.

Mulberries also contain quite a bit of protein and fiber. People can get 20 percent of their daily fiber requirement and 4 grams of protein from a third of a cup of mulberries, which is good for vegans and vegetarians who often struggle to get enough protein from nonanimal sources.

From local shops to world markets

Currently, Ziyal's Immunflex products are available at 10 shops and can be ordered online on the brand's website. However, Ziyal does not want to limit herself to the domestic market, and she has been doing market research for a while to export her value-added products primarily to the U.S. and European countries.

"As I wandered around grocery stores in the U.S., I noticed they primarily sell dried mulberry and mulberry extracts imported from China," Ziyal shared her observation and pointed out that there is a huge market for selling a wide variety of value-added products generated from mulberries and emphatically stated the importance of producing and exporting high value-added goods for the economic growth.

Since mulberries should be consumed within two hours after they are picked, they need to be transformed into value-added products like flours, tea leaves, leaf powder, molasses, lozenges, extracts, cosmetics creams, dietary supplements and other products quickly, Ziyal said. "We are aware that Immunflex offers innovative products for the overseas markets, as much as it does for the domestic market," she added, emphasizing her plan to expand into international markets.

Now eyeing a huge export market with the U.S. and Europe, Ziyal wants to make contributions to Turkey's dried fruit exports that were recorded at $1.3 billion last year.

After recent tariffs China imposed in retaliation on some U.S.-imported products, including mulberries, China has emerged as another attractive market, particularly considering Turkish fruit and vegetable exporters have already started selling cherries and raisins to the country.

1. Introduction

The Mulberry Extract industry has emerged as a highly profitable sector in recent years. Mulberry Extracts, which are rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds, have found applications in various fields such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and dietary supplements. Starting a business in this industry requires careful planning and consideration of multiple factors. This article will explore the key aspects that entrepreneurs need to focus on in order to succeed in the Mulberry Extract business.

2. Understanding Market Demand

2.1 Health - Conscious Consumers

With the growing awareness of health and wellness, there is an increasing demand for natural products. Mulberry extracts are known for their antioxidant, anti - inflammatory, and immune - boosting properties. Health - conscious consumers are actively seeking out products that contain these beneficial extracts. They are likely to be interested in dietary supplements, functional foods, and natural remedies that incorporate mulberry extracts.

2.2 Beauty Product Manufacturers

Cosmetics companies are constantly looking for new and effective ingredients to incorporate into their products. Mulberry extracts have been shown to have skin - brightening, anti - aging, and moisturizing effects. This makes them an attractive ingredient for use in skincare products such as creams, serums, and masks. By targeting beauty product manufacturers, businesses in the mulberry extract industry can tap into a large and growing market.

2.3 Pharmaceutical Companies

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The pharmaceutical industry is also interested in the potential health benefits of mulberry extracts. Research has suggested that these extracts may have applications in the treatment of diabetes, hypertension, and other chronic diseases. Pharmaceutical companies may be interested in using mulberry extracts as a raw material for the development of new drugs or as an ingredient in existing medications. Understanding the needs and requirements of pharmaceutical companies can help businesses in the mulberry extract industry to position themselves as reliable suppliers.

3. Ensuring a Stable and High - Quality Supply Chain

3.1 Establishing Relationships with Mulberry Farmers

One of the first steps in ensuring a stable supply chain is to establish good relationships with mulberry farmers. This involves finding reliable farmers who can provide a consistent supply of high - quality mulberries. Farmers should be educated about the specific requirements for mulberry cultivation for extract production, such as proper irrigation, fertilization, and pest control. By working closely with farmers, businesses can ensure that they have access to the raw materials they need.

3.2 Supplier Selection and Management

In addition to farmers, businesses may also need to work with other suppliers such as processors and distributors. When selecting suppliers, it is important to consider factors such as their reputation, quality control measures, and pricing. Once suppliers are selected, effective management is required to ensure that they meet the business's expectations. This may involve regular communication, quality audits, and performance evaluations.

3.3 Quality Control during the Extraction Process

The extraction process is a critical step in producing high - quality mulberry extracts. Strict quality control measures should be implemented at every stage of the extraction process. This includes ensuring that the raw materials are of high quality, using proper extraction methods and equipment, and testing the final product for purity and potency. Quality control personnel should be trained to detect and address any potential issues that may arise during the extraction process.

4. Compliance with Relevant Regulations

4.1 Food and Drug Safety Regulations

Since mulberry extracts are used in products that are consumed or applied to the body, compliance with food and drug safety regulations is of utmost importance. Different regions may have different regulations regarding the production, labeling, and marketing of these products. Businesses must ensure that they are familiar with and adhere to all relevant regulations. This may involve obtaining the necessary licenses and certifications, following specific manufacturing and packaging requirements, and providing accurate and complete product information on labels.

4.2 Environmental Regulations

The mulberry extract industry may also be subject to environmental regulations. For example, the cultivation of mulberries may require the use of pesticides and fertilizers, which need to be used in accordance with environmental protection standards. Additionally, the extraction process may generate waste products that need to be properly disposed of. By complying with environmental regulations, businesses can not only avoid potential legal issues but also contribute to sustainable development.

5. Marketing and Branding Strategies

5.1 Product Differentiation

In a competitive market, it is important to differentiate your mulberry extract products from those of your competitors. This can be achieved through various means such as emphasizing unique features or benefits, using high - quality packaging, or offering customized products. For example, a business could develop a mulberry extract with a higher concentration of a particular bioactive compound or package its products in eco - friendly containers.

5.2 Targeted Marketing

Based on the understanding of market demand, businesses can develop targeted marketing strategies. For health - conscious consumers, marketing efforts could focus on the health benefits of mulberry extracts through channels such as health blogs, social media groups, and fitness events. For beauty product manufacturers, participation in beauty trade shows and advertising in beauty magazines could be effective marketing approaches. Pharmaceutical companies may be reached through industry conferences and direct sales efforts.

5.3 Building a Brand

Building a strong brand is essential for long - term success in the mulberry extract industry. A brand should convey a positive image, quality, and trustworthiness. This can be achieved through consistent branding across all marketing channels, providing excellent customer service, and building a reputation for reliability and innovation. A well - known brand can command a higher price and attract more customers.

6. Research and Development

6.1 Exploring New Applications

Continuous research and development can help businesses in the mulberry extract industry to stay ahead of the competition. There are likely still many potential applications of mulberry extracts that have not been fully explored. For example, research could be conducted on the use of mulberry extracts in the treatment of new diseases or in the development of novel cosmetic formulations. By investing in research and development, businesses can expand their product lines and enter new markets.

6.2 Improving Extraction Techniques

The efficiency and quality of the extraction process can also be improved through research and development. New extraction techniques may be able to yield higher - quality extracts with greater purity and potency. Additionally, research could focus on reducing the cost of extraction, which would increase the profitability of the business. By staying up - to - date with the latest extraction technologies, businesses can ensure that they are producing the best possible mulberry extracts.

7. Conclusion

The mulberry extract industry offers significant opportunities for entrepreneurs. However, starting a business in this industry requires a comprehensive approach that takes into account market demand, supply chain management, regulatory compliance, marketing and branding, and research and development. By focusing on these key aspects, businesses can effectively tap into the potential of the mulberry extract industry and achieve long - term success.

FAQ:

What are the main applications of mulberry extract?

Mulberry extract is rich in various nutrients and bioactive compounds. It has wide applications in pharmaceuticals, such as being used in some drugs for its potential health - promoting properties. In cosmetics, it can be added to products like creams and lotions for skin - enhancing effects. Also, it is a popular ingredient in dietary supplements due to its nutritional value.

How can one ensure a stable supply of mulberry for extraction?

To ensure a stable supply of mulberry for extraction, it is necessary to establish good relationships with mulberry farmers or suppliers. Long - term contracts can be considered to secure a consistent supply. Additionally, it might be beneficial to diversify the sources of mulberry supply to reduce the risk of shortages. Monitoring the growth and harvest of mulberries regularly and providing support to farmers in terms of agricultural techniques can also contribute to a stable supply.

What quality control measures should be implemented during the mulberry extract process?

During the mulberry extract process, several quality control measures should be implemented. Firstly, the raw mulberries should be carefully selected and inspected to ensure they are free from contaminants and of good quality. The extraction equipment should be regularly maintained and calibrated to ensure accurate and consistent extraction. The extraction process should be carried out under strict environmental conditions, such as proper temperature and humidity control. Also, the final extract should be tested for purity, potency, and safety, and only products that meet the established quality standards should be released.

How to deal with regulatory differences in different regions for mulberry extract business?

To deal with regulatory differences in different regions for mulberry extract business, it is essential to thoroughly research and understand the regulations in each target market. Hire legal or regulatory experts who are familiar with the food and drug safety regulations in different areas. Ensure that all products meet the strictest regulatory requirements among the target regions. Keep up - to - date with any changes in regulations and be prepared to adjust the business operations accordingly.

How to attract health - conscious consumers to buy mulberry extract products?

To attract health - conscious consumers to buy mulberry extract products, it is important to highlight the health benefits of mulberry extract clearly. This can be done through effective marketing and packaging. For example, use scientific research findings on the nutritional and health - promoting properties of mulberry extract on the product label. Provide detailed information about the source and extraction process to build trust. Also, offer samples or trial versions of the product to let consumers experience the benefits first - hand. Collaborate with health influencers or experts to promote the product in the health - conscious community.

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