The company said it expects a version of Z-Trim made from non-GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms) wheat to increase interest in the product from European food companies.
"The non-GMO wheat Z-Trim has been developed specifically for major food company customers of DKSH, our European distribution partner," said Gregory Halpern, CEO of Circle Group. "The European food companies present a significant business opportunity for us and this milestone is critical to our efforts to penetrate those markets."
DKSH Group has started developing plans to distribute Z-Trim products throughout Europe and Asia - building customer contacts, introducing sample products, piloting tests and taking initial orders for customers. The company noted that this process will continue into 2005, when it expects the number of consumers to continue to grow.
Triveni Shukla, vice president of technology development for FiberGel, said that there was no chance of the new product being contaminated by the GMO wheat based supplements as the company has an isolated product line for its new offering.
Z-Trim, according to the manufacturers, is a natural, zero calorie fat replacement that reduces calories and increases healthy insoluble fiber in a variety of products without altering the food's original taste.
Designed to be used not as a fat 'substitute' but as a fat replacement, the GRAS status product comes as a fine powder and can be used as either powder or gel. The gel is created from combining the powder with water.
One of its major advantages, according to the makers, is its high fiber content which can aid digestion as long as it is eaten in normal quantities.
Mounting concerns over global weight and health issues have led major food manufacturers to take an increasing interest. Fibergel Technologies are already involved in a long-term agreement with Nestle which started at the beginning of this year.
The GM question is causing a headache for US manufacturers that want to export into Europe, where the regulations governing GM foods are much stricter and most consumers have said they do not want to eat them.
Michael Rodemeyer, executive director of the nonprofit Pew Initiative on Food and Biotechnology, said earlier this month that because of the difficulties caused by the difference in attitude and regulation between the US and Europe, he "would not be surprised if there were a move away [from GM]". He noted also the rapid growth in the organic sector in North America, albeit from a very small base.