Natural Fat Replacement Named

22/09/06 Z Trim Holdings, Inc., was notified recently by organizers of the Food Ingredients South America's (FISA) International Exhibition for Solution and Technology for the Food Industry, that their natural fat replacement ingredient, Z Trim, was selected by a judging panel of industry and technical experts as "the most innovative ingredient, 2006," beating out four other finalists for the honor.

The announcement was made during the trade show event September 12 at the Transamérica Expo Center in São Paolo, Brazil following formal presentations before a panel of technical experts that ultimately selected the winner.

The other finalists competing against Z Trim included Danisco's Hexose Oxidase enzyme product, DSM's Lafti Probiotics, Sensient Technologies' Appeal RM - 023B, and Gelita's Instant Gel Schko. Judging criteria included innovations and technical originality, benefits for the industry process, manufacturer's technology, benefits for the consumer, and economic viability.

Z Trim was submitted for nomination by Z Trim's international marketing partner, Diethelm, Keller, Siber & Hegner's (DKSH Market Intelligence) out of their South American office, located in Santiago , Chile . DKSH has been instrumental in presenting Z Trim for use by major bakery and meat production firms in South America, Europe, Asia and Australia .

"Our clients are experiencing great successes replacing fat with Z Trim in meats such as sausages and ham, in cream cheese, and in baked items such as cookies, ice cream, and bread," said Alejandro Espinola, business manager for DKSH in South America . "The FISA judges cited Z Trim's versatility among its many advantages."

Vogler Ingredients, a Brazilian ingredients and food formulation company, created ice creams, yogurts and cream cheeses containing Z Trim for sampling at their booth. Kraki, a large meat production firm in South America , distributed samples of various processed meats and lunch meats at their booth, including mortadella and other bolognas, olive loaf, sausage, and hot dogs. Both companies passed out samples of Z Trim, along with the foods made with Z Trim.

News of the award attracted strong interest from formulators within the food industry. "Shortly after the announcement that Z Trim had won, we received requests for meetings with several more large and small international food companies," Espinola said.

"We're honored to be selected as the winner," said Rick Harris, Vice-President of Sales for Z Trim Holdings. "Having been recognized alongside industry leaders such as Danisco, DSM, Sensient and Gelita as a finalist for such a prestigious award was a matter of great pride for us," he said. "To be selected as the winner is exhilarating."

Previous winners in the category include Mane's Flavor Beads Mane in 2005 and Danisco's Grindamyl PowerBake 7000 enzyme in 2004.