Roquette enters alliance to boost novel fibre sales
increase its coverage of the North American novel soluble fibre
market.
Roquette will use National Starch as its exclusive distributor of the firm's Nutriose soluble fibre product line in food and beverage segments.
The purpose is to both increase sales and marketing coverage and to establish a strong position in key target categories.
Nutriose is a patented family of high-purity soluble fibres made from cornand wheat. Roquette claims that the product, which is a water-soluble fibre ingredient, is an excellent complement to National Starch's Hi-maize resistant starch insoluble fibre.
It also says that Nutriose, which is ideally suited for high-moisture applications, such as beverage and dairy, fits with National Starch Food Innovation's focus on nutritional ingredients for digestive health and energy management.
Indeed, both Nutriose and Hi-maize products are targeted to address the concerns of health-conscious consumers who want to add fibre to their diets without compromising taste. Common sources of fibre include cereals, fruits and vegetables; however, fibre intake may also be improved by increasing the fibre content of foods.
Food and beverage producers face two obstacles in doing so; that is, low digestive tolerance and the challenges associated with processing foods fortified with fibre, which can affect the solubility, viscosity, stability and tasteof foods.
Roquette however believes that Nutriose and National's Hi-maize provide the solution: Nurtiose being soluble and preserving a great taste in finished products; Hi-maize being insoluble and not affecting the taste or texture of low-moisture foods.
Both products, says the company, have an outstanding digestive tolerance.
"We are very excited about securing the exclusive rights to thepatent-protected Nutriose product line," said Mike Klacik, senior director,nutrition, National Starch Food Innovation.
"Nutriose adds to our nutritional ingredient portfolio and will allow us to better serve some of the fastest-growing segments of better-for-you foods and beverages."
National Starch will be responsible for sales of the range across food and beverage categories except confectionery, nutrition bars, pharmaceuticals and over-the-counter dietary supplements.
Roquette is one of Europe's largest starch and starch-derivatives business. The firm is a world leader for polyols (sugar alcohols).
