Del Monte Gets Exclusive Right to Reducol Phytosterols for Heart Health in Philippines, India

Del Monte has signed a three-year license for Reducol phytosterols from ingredients supplier Forbes Medi-Tech (Kearny, NJ). Del Monte has exclusive rights to manufacture and sell food and beverage products featuring Reducol in the Philippines, India, other Indian subcontinent territories, and Myanmar.

In 2009, Del Monte launched a pineapple juice featuring Reducol, marketed for heart health. Phytosterols-plant sterols and stanols-have been clinically proven to significantly lower LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol. It can be incorporated in a range of foods, including yogurt, yogurt drinks, processed cheese, milk drinks, and spreads.

“Asian consumers are ‘hungry’ for nutraceutically enhanced foods and beverages and appreciate the convenience and taste such products also afford them,” says Laura Wessman, senior vice president, operations, for Forbes Medi-Tech. “Del Monte’s Heart Smart fits the bill. We anticipate other innovations stemming from this partnership.”

Forbes Medi-Tech is a division of Pharmachem Laboratories (Kearny, NJ).