New Zealand aims to put kiwi supplement on global market

Seeka has secured a credit line through Australian venture capital firm Australasian that will enable it to provide Vital with adequate funding to conduct clinical trials on its kiwi-derived digestive-aid supplements, a Radio New Zealand report said.

Seeka chief executive, Tony de Farias is aiming to market a kiwi supplement on the strength of its laxative benefits, which is a market that he believes holds great potential, the report added.

Because of the complexity of green kiwi fruit it is known to be difficult to process, which is why any new outlet for fruit that cannot be supplied to the market in its whole form will be good news for the company.

Seeka, which handles more than 27 per cent of New Zealand's total kiwifruit production from harvest 2005, totaling some 23 million trays of Green, Gold and Organic product, is hoping that it will be able to find a market for its supplement based on the fact that it is natural and high in minerals and vitamins.

A recent study carried out by the University of Auckland and the Auckland University of Technology showed that kiwi fruits have laxative effects and could help combat serious cases of constipation, particularly with individuals suffering from Parkinson's disease.

Kiwifruit also contains very significant amounts of polyphenols as well as the antioxidant vitamins C and E.

Seeka listed on the New Zealand Stock Exchange's main market, the NZSX, on 26 July 2005 and currently has a 20 per cent stake in Vital Foods Distribution Limited, owners of the Digestezy range of kiwifruit-based neutraceuticals.

Another recent study at the University of Oslo revealed that consuming two to three kiwifruit daily for 28 days significantly reduced platelet aggregation (blood clotting) in human volunteers and lowered plasma triglyceride levels by 15 per cent compared to the control group.