Dutch food processing company NutriLeads has announced Invita as the exclusive distributor of its precision prebiotic, Benicaros, in Australia and New Zealand.
The partnership provides local manufacturers with access to a trusted supplier of specialty ingredients and an award-winning solution for immune and gut health.
Benicaros, scientifically known as RG-I (rhamnogalacturonan-I), is a unique prebiotic fibre ingredient derived from upcycled carrot pomace.
Its unique structure sets it apart from other prebiotic fibres, enabling it to provide reliable gut health benefits by targeting gut microorganisms.
The complex-structured cRG-I fibre in Benicaros is deeply embedded within the carrot cell wall, making it difficult for the gut to extract.
Consuming enough carrots to achieve the same benefits as a small daily serving of Benicaros is nearly impossible.
NutriLeads CEO Joana Carneiro-Wakefield said: “We’re excited to partner with Invita to represent Benicaros in Australia and New Zealand.
“Their strong technical and commercial expertise, coupled with a deep understanding of regional regulatory and market dynamics, makes them an excellent partner to accelerate Benicaros’ growth in these important markets.”
In an ex vivo study using SIFR technology comparing three prebiotic fibres, only Benicaros consistently enhanced beneficial gut bacteria across all 24 subjects.
The study showed that the effects of different prebiotic fibres, including Inulin, Xanthan, and Benicaros, vary due to fibre complexity and gut microbial composition.
Benicaros showed consistently positive effects across all subjects, improving gut microbiota composition and function.
In addition to gut health benefits, Benicaros is clinically proven to enhance innate immune responses.
In a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, healthy adults consumed 300mg of Benicaros or a placebo daily for eight weeks.
Participants exposed to a mild rhinovirus showed improved immune responses, highlighting Benicaros’ potential in immune health.
NutriLeads’ collaboration with Invita marks a significant step in its global expansion strategy, aiming to penetrate new markets through reliable distribution partners.
The agreement allows Benicaros to be marketed with pre-approved structure/function claims for food, beverages, and supplements in the region.
Invita Group NZ and Australia managing director Mike Johnson said: “Benicaros offers a new standard in prebiotics for the Australia and New Zealand market.
“Its low effective dose, excellent tolerability, and robust scientific backing make it a unique and exciting ingredient for innovation in both the food and supplement sectors. We are thrilled to introduce this to our customers.”
