Denmark-based Danisco began licensing probiotics developed by Fonterra back in 2001 but since then the probiotics market has evolved.
No longer just considered suitable for yoghurts and other dairy products, probiotics are turning up in a broader variety of food products, including dietary supplements thanks to their immune and digestive health benefits.
More applications
To reflect this, Danisco has extended its agreement with Fonterra so that the supplier can sell the Howaru-branded Bifido and Rhamnosus strains as ingredients for a broader variety of products.
Danisco said its customers will now be able to use the strains in dairy products, liquid and powdered beverages, dietary supplements, meats, cheeses, cereals, confectionery and straws.
In addition, there will no longer be restrictions on therapeutic fields. Danisco said this broadens the scope for the development of clinical studies and health claims.
Long-term approach
The new terms of the agreement with Fonterra, which covers production and marketing of the probiotics, have also been lengthened from five to 10 years.
Explaining this extension, Scott Bush, VP of marketing, health & nutrition at Danisco said: “We were several years into a multi-year agreement with Fonterra and this gives Danisco the ability to offer our customers these strains for a prolonged period of time.
“This way they can reap the rewards of communications and promotions of these strains in their products. It gives our customers the ability to plan for long-term use.”
Danisco and Fonterra said the two companies would continue to work together promoting the benefits of the probiotic strains, which were originally developed by Fonterra at its research centre in New Zealand.
Nigel Little, manager of new options at Fonterra Ingredients, said the dairy company would work closely with Danisco to provide further clinical evidence supporting the value of the ingredients