M&S embraces Danisco's HOWARU probiotic
and Spencer's yoghurt and dairy products - an announcement
coinciding with the Danish company's latest results that show
cultures are a major growth driver.
The new M&S range was pre-tested in October 2005, and is now being rolled-out to retail stores throughout the UK.
"This UK probiotic range is the outcome between two companies that are both setting industry-leading health standards, one in food ingredients, the other in food retailing," said Danisco Cultures global dairy director Patrick Veau.
HOWARU Bifido is a strain specifically selected for its immune modulating properties, and its benefits are supported by clinical trials.
Danisco has previously signed co-branding agreements for HOWARU in a number of countries, including South Africa, Japan, Slovenia and Poland. The agreement with Marks & Spencer is exclusive for the UK market.
The ingredients division, into which cultures fall, today reported Q3 revenue of DKK3.28bn (€0.44 bn), compared to DKK2.3 bn (€0.31 bn) for the prior year period. Operating profit was also up from DKK 282 m (€37.8 m) to DKK338 m (€45.3 m).
For Europe, the company said: "For the year to date, texturant products, sweeteners and cultures were the main growth drivers, while flavours as stated earlier recorded negative growth, if less negative than before. The strongest application areas were beverages, dairy andice-cream."
Cultures were also identified amongst the growth drivers in the North American and Latin American markets.
In 2004 Danisco acquired Rhodia Food Ingredient, and this bolt-on is said to "continue to develop excellently" and to have "called for new investments in plant production and product development".
