First Juice with Phytonutrients Launched in Mexico

The new juice comes at a time when industries are innovating and changing ingredients in their products, because a growing number of consumers do not want ingredients they can’t pronounce nor artificial colors, flavors and preservatives.

04/08/08 The result of a one year long working partnership between Chr. Hansen and a major Mexican customer has been launched on the Mexcian market.

A naturally colored peach juice containing phytonutrients (Chr. Hansen’s Vegex NC2 beta carotenes). Phytonutrients are compounds that are linked to a range of beneficial effects on personal comfort. They occur naturally in a large variety of vegetables and fruits.

Shift towards natural and healthy

“Also in Mexico there is a growing interest in healthier food and changing from synthetic to natural, healthy ingredients such as phytonutrients,” explains Mr David Palma, Account Manager, CH Mexico. “The new juice comes at a time when industries are innovating and changing ingredients in their products, because a growing number of consumers do not want ingredients they can’t pronounce nor artificial colors, flavors and preservatives,” he adds.

Outdistance competitors

Originally the producer approached Chr. Hansen in order to shift from synthetic to natural colors, but during the process they were also interested in adding extra value to the juice by giving it a functional characteristic, distinguishing it from competition.

“The responsible consumer is looking for foods that support a healthier lifestyle and convenient products with cleaner labels and just a handful of simple ingredients,” says Mr Palma. “Our wide range of natural ingredients can help food producers meet the market trend by giving the public more products with a healthier a profile to choose from, and the new juice is a good example of that,” he concludes.

Nature’s own products with health benefits included

Chr. Hansen’s phytonutrients range - NutriPhy - includes active ingredients such as different polyphenols and natural carotenoids carefully selected for their specific properties to support health and well-being. Studies from international universities and research institutions show that carotenoids have antioxidant effect and protect healthy cells from free radical damage and are thus believed to prevent a range of degenerative diseases.

One example is age-related macular degeneration and cataract. Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of visual impairment in the developed world. Carotenoids may furthermore provide you with a healthy-looking tan, without submitting your skin to the damaging rays of the sun.