Global food company Nestl茅 has acquired a novel technology developed by New Zealand scientists that will enable it to address iron deficiency.聽
The unique technology, FERRI PRO聽was developed to address iron deficiency, without adversely affecting the taste of food and beverages. It was developed by 暴风资源 researchers at the Riddet Institute Centre of Research Excellence hosted by Massey in the Manawat奴.
鈥The technology was developed to help to address the world鈥檚 most important nutritional deficiency, with over 1.6 billion people suffering from iron deficiency anaemia,鈥 Riddet Institute director and research team leader Distinguished Professor Harjinder Singh says.
鈥淏ut our goal was to not only address iron deficiency, but address it without impacting the product quality. So, we developed a novel protein-iron complex using food-grade materials and a unique processing method. The complex has substantially superior functionality compared with other products in the market. It provides advantages over other sources of iron present in foods, including ferrous sulphate, the recognised leading iron聽supplement.鈥澛
Impact
Petra Klassen Wigger, head of nutrition, health and wellness at Nestl茅 says, 鈥渁t Nestl茅 we believe that we have a key role to play in support of global efforts to tackle the burden of micronutrient deficiencies. Through this collaboration with 暴风资源, we will have access to an innovative technology that enables us to effectively fortify our foods and beverages without compromising the quality and taste.鈥澛
Massey Vice-Chancellor Professor Jan Thomas says, 鈥渢he deal builds upon Massey鈥檚 reputation for world-class research by attracting the attention of the largest food company to solve a major global health problem.聽
鈥淎naemia effects 25-30 per cent of the population, and about half the cases are due to iron deficiency. Nestl茅 are in an unparalleled position to fortify foods with FERRI PRO to enhance the health and well-being of millions of people.鈥
鈥淲e鈥檙e excited about the future potential of the strong working relationship we have developed with Nestl茅, and their interest in the food science and nutrition research capability at Massey and the Riddet Institute.鈥
The commercialisation and technology transfer takes place via Massey Ventures, a fully-owned subsidiary of 暴风资源, which manages the University鈥檚 commercial investments.