Forbes Partners with Del Monte Pacific

KEARNY, N.J.Forbes Medi-Tech Corporation signed a three-year license and supply agreement with Del Monte Pacific Ltd. to manufacture and sell foods and beverages featuring Forbes Reducol .

Forbes, a division of Pharmachem, manufacturers Reducol, a cholesterol management ingredient made from coniferous trees. According to the company, Reducol's plant sterol and stanol blend blocks the absorption of some cholesterol into the body. So far, the ingredient has been included in yogurts, yogurt drinks, cheese and milk to support healthy cholesterol levels. In Dec. 2012, Forbes received a United State patent for an extraction technology for plant sterols and stanols.

According to the new agreement, Del Monte will have rights to manufacture and sell the products throughout the Philippines, India and Myanmar, with other opportunities in the future.

"Asian consumers are 'hungry' for nutraceutically enhanced foods and beverages and appreciate the convenience and taste such products also afford them," said Laura Wessman, senior vice president, operations, Forbes. "Del Monte's Heart Smart fits the bill. We anticipate other innovations stemming from this partnership."