Food & Beverage - KitOwine™

At the origin of fungal chitosan in modern winemaking.

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Food & Beverage

At the origin of fungal chitosan in modern winemaking.

Food & Beverage Domains

KitOzyme was at the origin of the development pathway that led, in 2009, to the recognition of fungal chitosan and chitin-glucan by the OIV and their inclusion in the International Code of Oenological Practices and International Oenological Codex.

This work established the regulatory and scientific foundation for the use of fungal chitin derivatives in modern winemaking. Today, these technologies support oenological applications ranging from fining and clarification to microbiological control, wine stabilization and sulfite-reduction strategies.

The Challenge

As the pioneer of fungal chitosan in oenology, KitOzyme has played a key role in developing the technology, and supporting its regulatory recognition. Today, we remain the  trusted reference in the field, with expertise spanning production, quality control, regulatory affairs and application development. As fungal chitosan adoption grows, ensuring authenticity and traceability has become increasingly important.

THE SCIENCE BEHIND KitOwine™

The science
behind KitOwine™

Fungal Chitosan Certified®

At the heart of FCC® is a robust analytical approach capable of distinguishing fungal chitosan from material of animal origin. This includes Stable Isotope Ratio analysis based on δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N, complemented by FTIR and thermogravimetric analysis.
In 2025, the isotopic approach for fungal-origin verification was incorporated into the OIV analytical framework through Resolution OIV-OENO 728-2025, following international interlaboratory validation.
For KitOzyme, this is the logical continuation of more than a decade of work in oenology: from developing fungal chitosan technologies, to supporting their regulatory recognition, and now to providing the tools to verify their origin.

KitOzyme fungal biopolymer company and facility
The KitOzyme difference

For more than 25 years,  KitOzyme has pioneered the development and industrial production of fungal chitosan and chitin-glucan ingredients. 

Our expertise extends beyond manufacturing. We help partners select and integrate the most relevant molecular profile according to their formulation, application and targeted performance. 

About KitOzyme

What makes us different ? 

Patent-backed technology. Supported by KitOzyme IP portfolio. 

Pioneer and leader in fungal biopolymers

Belgian manufacturing expertise

EFSA health claim for fungal chitosan

FDA GRAS status

Novel Food authorization in Europe

ISO 13485 and HACCP certified manufacturing

Application and formulation guidance

Scientific and regulatory support from initial screening to industrial scale-up

Vegan, allergen-free, halal & kosher compatible