Brenntag seals new US distribution deal for prebiotics with Tata Chemicals

11 Apr 2019 --- Tata Chemicals Ltd and Brenntag Food & Nutrition, a business unit of the Brenntag Group in North America, have announced an agreement for the distribution of prebiotics in the US. Tata NQ, the nutritional solutions division of Tata Chemicals Ltd, offers nature-backed, science-supported ingredients with specific and desirable health benefits. This agreement allows Brenntag to distribute Tata NQ’s Fossence and Gossence prebiotic portfolio.

“With the importance of gut and digestive health continuously growing, we are positioned to introduce customers to the benefits of Tata’s FOS and GOS through our North American Food & Nutrition Application & Development Center,” explains Larry Davis, VP of Brenntag Food & Nutrition North America. 

Studies suggest that prebiotics positively affect the gut microbiome, helping to improve gut and digestive health. The gut microbiome is becoming a mainstream area of interest and its impact on immunity, bowel health and nutrient absorption is being increasingly studied.

Fibers and prebiotics have enjoyed a CAGR of 14 percent from 2012-2017, while probiotics are also strongly trending with a growth of 20 percent over this period, according to Innova Market Insights.

The high consumer demand for fiber is already leading to a strong industry response, which is illustrated by new product activity. Innova Market Insights consumer research undertaken in 2017 found that one in five US consumers are placing a high importance on fiber.

Fossence is a 100 percent soluble, naturally sweet tasting, prebiotic and dietary fiber. As a versatile ingredient, it provides opportunities for fiber fortification and sugar reduction in a variety of formats from bakery and dairy to confectionery and nutraceutical supplements. 

Gossence is touted as a highly effective prebiotic, traditionally preferred for infant and children food applications. This prebiotic has a wide pH and temperature stability and is now seeing growth into nutraceutical applications.

“Our relationship with Brenntag in the nutritional market, marks a milestone for us in our entry into the US,” Zarir Langrana, Executive Director & President for Global Chemicals at Tata Chemicals explains. 

“Equipped with in-house food technology and an analytics team, we will confidently provide relevant solutions to the market. Brenntag’s reach, technical expertise and presence in food and nutrition will allow us to thrive. Together, we hope to have an exciting journey,” she concludes. 

Previously, Tata Chemicals’ Fossence and Gossence prebiotic dietary fiber portfolio, became available to the Canadian market through a distribution agreement with Univar.