Optibiotix Health signs distribution deal with Maxum Foods for Australia and New Zealand
The deal means Maxum Foods will manufacture and distribute OptiBiotix Health’s weight management technology, SlimBiome in Australia and New Zealand.
SlimBiome is a functional ingredient addressing weight loss. The patented ingredient, which won ‘Weight Management Ingredient of the Year’ award at the NutraIngredients Awards 2018, contains a blend of non-digestible prebiotics and dietary fibers, to create a longer-lasting feeling of fullness. The ingredient also helps burn calories by promoting a healthy metabolism and maintains blood sugar levels to prevent overeating. It has been shown to reduce calorie intake by up to 20% and lower food cravings.
SlimBiome can be used in a range of products, including snack bars, meal replacement shakes, and dairy and bakery products. The ingredient can be added during product manufacture as it is heat stable and has no distinguishable taste.
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, two in three Australian adults were overweight or obese in 2017-18, whereas the New Zealand Health Survey 2017/18 found one in three adults were obese. As a result, according to an IbisWorld business report, consumers are seeking new ways to manage their weight and in Australia they are expected to spend AS$320m (US$217m) on dietary supplements, industry weight loss counseling services and related low-calorie foods in 2019-20.
Dustin Boughton, director of Maxum Foods said, “It’s clear the demand for new weight management technology is becoming more prevalent today. Maxum Foods will be able to help food manufacturers across Australia and New Zealand answer these consumer demands, deliver innovative products and ultimately take their share of this 320-million-dollar market.”
