FrieslandCampina launches Biotis ingredient to accelerate APAC market in prebiotics

23 Aug 2022 --- FrieslandCampina is set to introduce Biotis GOS-OP High Purity in the Asian-Pacific region (APAC), with a September launch. Its high leveled Galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) ingredient aims to fill the market gap and fuel supplement innovation in prebiotics.

Ahead of the launch, NutritionInsight speaks to Job van Rozendaal, managing director for Asia-Pacific, FrieslandCampina Ingredients.

“There’s a clear need for gut health solutions in the APAC market, and by launching Biotis GOS-OP High Purity, we aim to empower our customers to answer those calls. As many as 61% of the region’s consumers experience digestive issues on at least a weekly basis. That’s a significant number.” 

“Also, many who don’t suffer from digestive health issues are still seeking solutions to proactively improve their gut health to positively influence other health areas, such as physical and mental well-being.” 

“Enabling innovation in convenient supplement solutions could be transformative for the way consumers in APAC look after their gut health, making it a simple and enjoyable moment each day. We expect convenience to become the key priority in developing new products, as more APAC consumers prioritize their gut health,” says van Rozendaal.

Expectations from the Asian marketFrieslandCampina says that 84% of global consumers are aware of probiotics, and 54% of prebiotics.
The company says that two out of three consumers recognize that good gut health is essential for overall well-being, creating a rising demand for supplements. The ingredient Biotis GOS-OP High Purity aims to help companies innovate in producing new supplements without technical challenges. 

“Thanks to rising consumer awareness, prebiotics are rapidly gaining traction as an attractive solution for digestive health product formulation. Globally, 84% of consumers are aware of probiotics – an ingredient that’s reigned strong as the top choice for gut health for many years. But 57% now also say they’re also aware of prebiotics,” says van Rozendaal. 

“This growth in popularity is being reflected in APAC – the region’s prebiotics market is expected to reach a CAGR of 15.6% from 2020 to 2028, indicating significant future growth.”

Experimenting with formats
The company explains that the levels of GOS are higher than alternatives in the market.

“The most fundamental difference is that Biotis GOS-OP High Purity has a typical GOS content of 94%, which is much higher than the typical range for other prebiotics available on the market. This means it can more easily be formulated into smaller product formats.”

Research done by the company also suggests the potential of consuming low doses (2 g) as Biotis GOS-OP High Purity remains effective, creating an opportunity for companies to innovate in other, smaller formats such as gummies, capsules and tablets.

“The ‘health-conscious consumer’ movement is reshaping attitudes toward diet and lifestyle, and consumers are taking a more proactive approach to gut health than ever before. But this isn’t just about digestion – savvy individuals are aware of the role of a healthy gut in maintaining well-being in other areas, from immunity to physical and mental resilience,” van Rozendaal notes.Busy lifestyles can stand in the way of health, the company says that supplements are a way to tackle this issue.

“That said, busy lifestyles can often get in the way of looking after our health. Supplements offer a convenient way to add gut-boosting ingredients like prebiotics to daily routines. The challenge is that the small, innovative formats have historically been notoriously difficult to formulate with prebiotics.” 

Ingredient applications
In addition to the ingredient, FrieslandCampina will also share its innovation in ingredient applications, such as fortified protein water, a high protein gel concept, and a holistic situation for sleeping based on a formulation of prebiotics and proteins and immune-boosting probiotics. 

“This innovative ingredient delivers a high dose of GOS, so brands can easily create convenient and on-trend supplements. We’re delighted to showcase it alongside our range of protein and Biotis solutions – together, these ingredients aim to inspire brands to create effective, holistic health solutions that meet the needs of consumers in the region,” notes van Rozendaal.

“With this launch, we aim to become the go-to partner for prebiotic supplement innovation in APAC. We’re also continually partnering with leading research organizations to ensure our Biotis offerings meet both APAC consumers’ and brands’ needs,” van Rozeldaal concludes.

By Beatrice Wihlander