Nutrinova Investigates Chewing Gum Market, Passes FPA Audit

Nutrinova Investigates Chewing Gum Market, Passes FPA Audit

NEW ORLEANS--Nutrinova Inc. presented resultsof proprietary studies on high-intensity sweeteners in fruit-flavored andsugar-free gums at the IFT Food Expo in July.

According to the company, consumer demand for sugar-free gums has increasedover the last few years due to concern about the impact of sugar intake onhealth. In a proprietary sensory panel study evaluating differences between gumsformulated with various high-intensity sweeteners and blends during prolongedchewing, the panel found acesulfame K (Ace-K) blends, in most cases, providedhigher flavor and sweet scores earlier in the chewing process as well asprolonged flavor and sweetness. Another proprietary study on gums formulatedwith two- and three-way combinations of Ace-K, aspartame and sucralose in founda 30-percent Ace-K plus 70-percent aspartame gum higher in sweet and berryflavor than others blends tested during a seven minute chew time. All otherblends were found higher in flavor than a 100-percent aspartame gum.

"We can clearly demonstrate that Sunett brand Ace-K delivers a reliablesweet taste that's preferred by consumers," said Bill Riha, manager of foodand beverage technology.

In other company news, Nutrinova successfully completed the FPA (FoodProducts Association) SAFE (Supplier Audits for Food Excellence) audit. FPA isthe new name for the former National Food Processors Association (NFPA).

"Nutrinova considers global food standards such as FPA-SAFE and BRC(British Retail Consortium) Global Food Standard as basic requirements for foodingredient suppliers," said Christian Klug, Head of Quality Management atNutrinova. "As an experienced and reliable partner for food ingredients, wehave decided to implement the standards to the benefit of our customers andtheir products."

Recently, the company also signed an agreement with Univar USA to permit thelatter to distribute Nutrinova Sorbates, Nutrinova's line of food preservatives,within the United States. Under the terms of the agreement, Nutrinova will focusits distributor business through Univar.

Graham Hall, president and chief operating officer for Nutrinova, said,"This is an exciting venture for Nutrinova and gives us a partner who iscommitted to promoting the consistent high quality offered by our range ofpremium sorbates. Under the agreement we will focus our development of businessin North America with Univar and with their focus we can have a partner who iscommitted to developing sales of our premium quality range of NutrinovaSorbates."