Lehvoss partners with BioNeutra for European launch of Canadian low calorie, natural sweetener

03 Jul 2018 --- A new Canadian low calorie, natural alternative to sugar is being launched in Europe under a distribution partnership between Canadian natural ingredient company BioNeutra and Gee Lawson, the nutritional division of Lehvoss UK. Using its clinical research including a Health Canada approved trial and a unique patented process, BioNeutra transforms starch molecules from agricultural crops like non-GMO corn, pea and tapioca into functional healthy molecules of isomalto-oligosaccarides (IMOs) using a natural enzymatic process without any chemical modification.

“It can help with the duel problems of weight gain and digestive health - both growing issues,” says BioNeutra CEO Dr. Jianhua Zhu. “With our continued success in the US and other countries throughout the world, we are excited to have Lehvoss as our distributor to expand our presence into Europe.” 

“Adding VitaFiber to our portfolio gives us the opportunity to provide our customers with a product underpinned by science which is a weight management/digestive health solution,” Jonathan Shorts, Head of LifeSciences Lehvoss UK Ltd/Gee Lawson says. “We are excited by this partnership which enables us to bring VitaFiber to this important region of the world that demands value, science and quality.”

The companies report that VitaFiber IMO has been reviewed by health regulatory authorities including the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and approved for sale in 36 countries on four continents. It is used in ice cream, protein bars, yogurt, beverages and confectionaries. Its bulking, binding properties are particularly important to manufacturers searching for ways to make products that health-conscious consumers are seeking. VitaFiber is now part of the Gee Lawson range of specialty ingredients, distributed in Europe by Lehvoss.

Last week, a partnership between Gee Lawson and Italian manufacturer of Mediterranean extracts, Nating, was announced. The agreement further confirms the availability of the Italian firm's botanical extracts with functional carriers in the market, a company spokesperson told NutritionInsight.