DSM and Buhler Launch First NutriRice Facility in China 

29/06/07 DSM and Bühler have announced the opening of Wuxi NutriRice Co. Ltd, a production facility operated in a joint venture between Bühler and DSM. This facility - the first commercial scale production of its kind in the world - produces NutriRice: nutritional enriched rice kernels to be mixed with natural rice that are produced via a patented process that protects the stability of the nutrients while at the same time ensuring high bio-availability and good taste. Wuxi NutriRice Co. Ltd. will market the enriched rice kernels (NutriRice) to rice millers working closely with not only rice mills but also retailers to introduce the concept and benefits of NutriRice enriched rice to consumers.

The newly opened facility will start production as of August 2007. It will start with limited capacity, which is sufficient to enrich approximately 80,000 tonnes of rice. As it is the first facility of its kind, it is primarily intended for market development and it is anticipated that the capacity will be increased in the coming years.

The project is a result of the joint research efforts of the two companies combining DSM’s over 70 years experience in nutrient formulation and Bühler’s advanced technology in grain processing and food extrusion. The decision to create this project together is an indication of DSM’s continuing commitment to innovation in the field of nutrition and at the same time Bühler’s dedication to advancements in grain processing technology.

“The long term partnership in research into ingredient processing technologies between Bühler and DSM is the foundation of the success for our joint venture in Wuxi,” comments Stephan Tanda, member of the Managing Board of Directors of DSM. “The company will carry out further research in the field of rice enrichment to better fulfill the nutrient and health needs of the people worldwide.”

Over the last few decades, the health and nutritional status of the Chinese population has improved significantly. Although great improvements have been made, the problems of nutritional deficiency and imbalance still exist. Micronutrient deficiencies such as nutritional anemia and Vitamin A deficiency are still common even in urban populations.

As a staple food, rice provides a high percentage of the daily caloric intake of the Chinese population. However, since many of the nutrients in rice are lost during the rice whitening and polishing process, milled rice has relatively low micronutrient content in comparison to un-milled rice. The traditional rinsing of rice is another challenge to rice enrichment since vitamins and minerals can potentially be washed off.

In response to these hurdles, the NutriRice process offers the unique possibility to efficiently encapsulate multiple micronutrients inside the rice kernel. Nutrients such as vitamin A and B as well as Iron and Zinc can be chosen for inclusion. Due to the patented process in which micro nutrients are encapsulated into the rice kernel, NutriRice shows superior physical stability with excellent retention of vitamins and minerals during storage, washing and cooking. In addition to this, NutriRice kernels can be adapted to the shape and length of regional rice varieties, making it acceptable to consumers whatever their cultural or regional preference.

In addition to the production of enriched kernels, Wuxi NutriRice Co. Ltd. expects to continue research in rice and rice product enrichment with the aim of rolling out the NutriRice concept not only in China but also around the world. By producing a range of enriched rice formulations, Wuxi NutriRice will offer consumers greater choice and retailers unique products that will provide them opportunities to differentiate in the marketplace.

“Wuxi NutriRice Co Ltd. can make use of Buhler’s multiple years of experience and legendary high precision extrusion technology to guarantee this unique customized kernel quality,” outlines Mr. Dieter Voegtli, President of Bühler China.

“As a responsible corporate citizen with extensive worldwide experience in the nutrition field, DSM is committed to improving public health in China”, says Weiming Jiang, President of DSM China. Since 1995, DSM has partnered with international organizations such as the United Nations World Food Program, UNICEF, the International Life Sciences Institute as well as Chinese government affiliated organizations such as the Center for Public Nutrition and Development and the Ministry of Education to contribute to the improvement in people’s health via development of a staple food fortification program. The government flour fortification program in China supported by DSM represents the company’s commitment to public health.

“Vitamin enriched foods have been proven easy and convenient ways of attaining nutritional balance. Staple food fortification programs are able to cover a large segment of the population and are sustainable over time,” adds Professor Yu Xiaodong, Director of the Center for Public Nutrition and Development of China. “Rice enrichment, in addition to flour fortification, will greatly contribute to China’s plan to improve the overall nutrition intake of its citizens.”