Weekly Roundup: Fonterra’s new reduced sugar protein milks, Sunfiber product gains USDA organic certification

31 Aug 2018 --- The weekly roundup is NutritionInsight's collection of global nutrition stories from the past week. Anchor Protein+, a Fonterra brand, has launched a high protein, low sugar dairy drink range in New Zealand, while Regular Girl has become the first product containing Sunfiber to earn USDA Organic Certification. Margaret Dohnalek has joined Valensa International as Chief Scientific Officer and Liz Smith has joined Sabinsa as Marketing Director. Lastly, British Lion Eggs has reported strong growth in UK sales and ongoing demand.

In brief: Product launches and certifications
Anchor Protein+, a Fonterra brand, has launched a high protein, flavored milk drink in New Zealand. The new beverage will feature 20g of protein per serving and, unlike many flavored milk drinks, contains no added sugar. The product marks the third in a string of beverages released by Fonterra that have a focus on sugar reduction, both the new Primo and Mammoth flavored milks contain 40 percent less added sugar. 

Regular Girl has become the first product containing Sunfiber – Taiyo’s soluble guar fiber – to earn USDA Organic Certification. Regular Girl is an all natural, synbiotic blend of Sunfiber and functional probiotics that support healthy digestion in women. “Being able to use the familiar and trusted USDA Organic logo on product labeling and marketing represents yet another level of transparency for Regular Girl and gives it an even greater competitive advantage over other fiber products,” says Scott Smith, Vice President of Taiyo International. Also, Taiyo's SunCran Naturelle, made with Fruit d'Or's premium Cran Naturelle cranberry juice powder and sunfiber is now Non-GMO project certified.

In brief: Acquisitions, mergers and expansions
Margaret Dohnalek, Ph.D., has joined Valensa International as Chief Scientific Officer, bringing 30 years of expertise leading nutritional innovations for Fortune 500 brands. Dr. Dohnalek recently served at PepsiCo as Head, Technology Scouting and Knowledge Innovation Solutions and occupied a leading role in the corporation’s Global Nutrition Group partnerships and business development. Dr. Dohnalek states that she will strive to incorporate science into the business growth strategy of Valensa, noting that her key specialty is identifying research that will resonate with consumers.

Liz Smith has joined Sabinsa as Marketing Director. Smith has over 28 years’ experience in building brand awareness and growing sales revenue, working at a range of companies including New Hope Natural Media and TSI USA. “I am delighted to welcome Liz to the Sabinsa team,” says Shaheen Majeed, President Worldwide, Sabinsa. “Her extensive experience from the client/agency and media company perspective gives her a unique view of tactics and programs to help our business divisions attain their objectives.”

In brief: Miscellaneous
British Lion Eggs, part of the British Egg Industry Council, has reported a rise in retail sales, up from last year, by around 187 million eggs. It also notes that consumer recognition of the Lion mark is 76 percent, compared to just 52 percent for Red Tractor and 34 percent for RSPCA Assured, according to new research. “The future looks bright for eggs as people from all age groups continue to incorporate them into their diet and an ever-increasing stream of research reveals all the ways eggs can benefit our health,” says Andrew Joret, Chairman of the British Egg Industry Council.

By Laxmi Haigh