ChromaQuest at the Polyphenols Applications 2025 Conference in Malta

The ChromaQuest project was represented at the Polyphenols Applications 2025 conference, held in Malta from October 2–3, 2025. This leading international event brought together researchers, industry experts, and innovators to share the latest insights on polyphenols and their applications across food, health, and biotechnological fields.

As part of the scientific program, ChromaQuest contributed a poster presentation entitled:

“Effect of Drying Temperature on the Anthocyanin Profile of Selected Berry Press Residues.”

The study investigated how different drying temperatures influence the composition and stability of anthocyanins, a key class of natural pigments with antioxidant properties, in berry press residues. The findings provide valuable information for optimizing drying processes to enhance the recovery and preservation of anthocyanins from fruit processing byproducts.

Participation in this conference offered an excellent opportunity to disseminate ChromaQuest’s research outcomes, share the first results, exchange knowledge with other experts, and explore new perspectives on the sustainable utilization of plant-based materials. Discussions with participants highlighted the growing interest in the valorization of agri-food residues and the development of natural colorants aligned with circular economy principles. It was indeed highlighted that approximately 50% of the natural dyes in the market are polyphenol (anthocyanin) based pigments!

The conference program also featured a wide range of topics, including:

• Innovative analytical techniques for polyphenol characterization

• Advances in polyphenol extraction and stabilization methods

• Applications of polyphenols in functional foods and nutraceuticals

• Health-related benefits and biological activities of polyphenolic compounds

Overall, participation in Polyphenols Applications 2025 strengthened the project’s network within the scientific community and underlined the relevance of ChromaQuest’s objectives in advancing sustainable approaches to natural pigment recovery and application.