Allied Biotech praised for beta-carotene products
mastering the European beta-carotene market, said Frost &
Sullivan yesterday.
The consultants awarded Allied Biotech the 2005 Product Line Strategy Leadership Award for the European beta-carotene market, saying the company had developed a "comprehensive, unique and highly successful portfolio of market orientated and active beta-carotene formulations".
A powerful anti-oxidant, beta-carotene delivers provitamin A nutrients to the body, which are converted into an active vitamin only when needed.
Said to be a safer form of Vitamin A for use as a food additive when fortification is not the primary objective, beta carotene can help counter the cell-damaging effects of free radicals. It is believed to help prevent heart disease and certain cancers and promote eye health, and a growing body of evidence also points to its immune-system boosting properties.
Frost & Sullivan praised the biotech firm for its "wide coverage of varied application markets", including its launch of products into the emerging beverage market.
"A strong research focus, sophisticated market knowledge and commitment to providing technical support to customers in the food and dietary supplement industries at every stage of the product development process have helped Allied Biotech Corporation rapidly establish a global market presence," said Kathy Brownlie, Frost & Sullivan's food & beverage ingredients programme manager.
The consultancy highlighted the Altratene brand, which includes beta-carotene products for fats & oils, flavours, bakery, dairy, functional food and beverages, including the new line of beta-carotene emulsions developed in a liquid, water-soluble and acid-stable form.
The products are priced competitively and have high stability to variations in light, heat and pH, according to Frost & Sullivan, who added that efforts to resolve issues such as lack of uniformity in hues and water solubility should further boost the appeal of newer Altratene formulations.
