NIZO and OptiBiotix join forces to produce weight management yoghurt
Yoghurt and other dairy products that incorporate a unspecified OptiBiotix weight management formulation will be developed, manufactured and distributed worldwide by the 50/50 joint venture, OptiBiotix said in a statement earlier today.
"Our weight management formulation has been especially created by industry experts to enhance satiation (feeling of fullness), increase metabolism and reduce energy harvest (calorie intake)," said Stephen O'Hara, CEO, OptiBiotix.
"Successful manufacturing and tasting studies of our weight management formulation in yoghurts, coupled with early commercial interest and NIZO's industry credibility, has allowed us to advance this opportunity earlier than expected."
Netherlands-based NIZO and OptiBiotix will contribute background intellectual property (IP) to the venture, which the latter hopes will provide it "fast-track access into global markets."
“This announcement is consistent with OptiBiotix’s strategy of creating technology platforms which create multiple product and partnering opportunities and is the start of a process to build a strong and sustainable business," O'Hara added.
Organoleptic properties
The joint venture is the product of an earlier collaboration between OptiBiotix and NIZO.
York-based OptiBiotix announced in October 2014 that its weight management formulation had been incorporated in fruit yoghurt manufactured by NIZO.
The incorporated OptiBiotix ingredients "did not impact negatively on a dairy products' look, texture and taste," said OptiBiotix at the time.
In fact, a panel drafted in to assess organoleptic properties reported "the yoghurt products had a smooth feel and taste and had the appearance of conventional yoghurts," the British company said.
DairyReporter.com approached NIZO regarding its deal with OptiBiotix, but no reply was forthcoming prior to publication.
