Ganeden Biotech, Racconto Introduce First Probiotic Pasta Line

"The new Digestive Health line is a great choice for consumers looking for delicious pasta options that also deliver healthy benefits," said Rod Bambach, vice president of sales for Racconto.

26 Aug 2009 --- Ganeden Biotech, Inc., makers of the patented probiotic strain GanedenBC30, announced the launch of a new probiotic-enhanced pasta by Racconto, a leading U.S. importer-producer of private label and branded Italian pasta. The all-natural Essentials Digestive Health pasta line from Racconto marks the first probiotic-enhanced pasta available to consumers.

The Essentials Digestive Health line is available in three individually sold pasta varieties, including penne rigate, rotini and rigatoni. All three varieties come in 12-ounce packages and are enhanced with GanedenBC30. Additionally, the new pasta line is all-natural and a good source of fiber, with 2 grams of fiber per serving. The pastas will retail for $2.99 to $3.49 and will be sold at select grocery retailers nationwide, including Hannaford, Giant and Price Chopper locations.

"The new Digestive Health line is a great choice for consumers looking for delicious pasta options that also deliver healthy benefits," said Rod Bambach, vice president of sales for Racconto. "The ability of GanedenBC30 to survive the heat of manufacturing and cooking made it the perfect choice to include in the Essentials Digestive Health line."

Probiotics are "good bacteria" that have been shown to improve digestive health and boost immunity. Unlike many probiotic strains, GanedenBC30 is unique in its ability to survive harsh manufacturing and cooking processes. Furthermore, GanedenBC30 is shelf-stable, making it an ideal probiotic to be included in a variety of food and beverage products, including pasta. The survivability and viability of GanedenBC30 can be attributed to the naturally-occurring hardened shell of organic material that protects the bacteria.

"We are excited to work with Racconto to provide consumers with another healthy option in the pasta aisles of their local grocery," said Ganeden Biotech CEO Andrew Lefkowitz. "Thanks to the shelf-stable properties of GanedenBC30, probiotics are no longer confined to the refrigerated dairy section. Since pasta is widely consumed, this seemed like a great opportunity to expand the health benefits of probiotics."

In addition to being sold under the Racconto Essentials Digestive Health line, private label opportunities are also available for the pasta varieties.