Probiotic dried fruit line bolsters snacking sector

12 Jun 2020 --- Dried fruit producer Mariani Packing Company has unveiled Probiotic Single-Serve Packs featuring Kerry’s GanedenBC30 probiotic active cultures. Available as 1.4 oz packs of apricots or prunes, the launch is a response to consumer demand for on-the-go concepts and is based on the success of its Probiotic Dried Fruit line. The offerings tap into the burgeoning healthy snacking movement, which is taking shape throughout the F&B industry.

“Today’s consumers are looking for convenient, on-the-go solutions that are nutritious and delicious. The Mariani Probiotic Single-Serve Packs combine the natural prebiotics found in fruit with GanedenBC30 Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, 6086 probiotics. This helps boost immune and digestive wellness anywhere consumers are – whether at home, work, school or travel,” says Bob Hyland, Vice-President of Global CPG Sales & Marketing at Mariani. 

The Probiotic Single-Serve Packs come in a weekly seven-day supply carton and are the latest in Mariani’s full line of probiotic dried fruit, including cranberries, raisins, apricots, berries and prunes, which are available across the US. 

The dried apricots and dried prunes in the Single-Serve Packs naturally contain soluble fiber, acting as a prebiotic, that may be a fuel source for probiotics to thrive. They are also naturally sweet, with no sugar added, and a good source of vitamins A, B6, B12 and E, as well as potassium and iron. 

The added GanedenBC30 probiotic active cultures are touted as being ten times more effective than yogurt cultures in surviving the transit through the harsh stomach environment into the gut. Mariani states that just one serving per day may safely support digestive health and the immune system. GanedenBC30 is recognized as safe (GRAS) by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), as well as vegan, gluten-free, Non-GMO Project Verified, kosher and halal certified. 

Last month, John Quilter, Vice President and General Manager for GanedenBC30, told NutritionInsight that many consumers have responded to the COVID-19 pandemic by turning to functional foods, beverages and supplements. “Offering options with functional ingredients like probiotics is an excellent strategy for differentiation in a market where consumers are increasingly focused on wellness,” he noted. 

Meanwhile, an April NutritionInsight interview with Dr. Donald Cox, Director of R&D at Kerry, revealed that branded probiotics “give consumers a clear point of reference when browsing shelves crammed with products claiming to offer digestive health benefits.” 

The launch is a response to consumer demand for on-the-go concepts.Healthy on-the-go snacking moves to the fore
Recent years have seen consumers increasingly turn to healthier food options despite being pressed for time. Innova Market Insights crowned “The Right Bite” one of its top trends for 2020, outlining the target audience as consumers seeking to “embrace healthy lifestyles, balance busy schedules or reject their current lifestyles in search of change.”

Healthy snacks, energy-boosting food and drinks, as well as on-the-go food and beverages, are all of interest, with high protein and energy claims of particular significance. According to Innova Market Insights data, global snacking launches featuring high protein claims had a CAGR of 16.8 percent between 2015 and 2019, while the use of energy and alertness claims rose 13.7 percent over the same period.

Additionally, prebiotics have been on the rise, with the market researcher noting a 37 percent annual growth in F&B launches tracked with a prebiotic claim and a feel-good claim (Global, CAGR 2014-2018). While Sports Nutrition is the fastest growing market category for F&B launches tracked with prebiotics ingredients at 32 percent, Snacks comes third place with 11 percent growth. Meanwhile, probiotics were the top health positioning for F&B launches tracked with a digestive health claim in 2019. 

Edited by Katherine Durrell