CNS gains control of IP on FiberChoice
portfolio of domestic and international patents related to
FiberChoice as it begins to grow the successful brand.
The company had previously licensed the patents from Onesta Nutrition but this agreement is now cancelled under the new deal that cost about $8 million.
The US market has seen a stronger focus on fiber in the last year, especially on wholegrains, after the USDA's MyPyramid published in early 2005 recommended six servings of grain products a week.
Products fortified with fiber and fiber supplements are set to benefit and CNS says it has already seen net sales of FiberChoice reach $9.7 million in the first half of 2006, an increase of 86 percent compared to the prior-year period.
"The purchase of the FiberChoice patents demonstrates our commitment to further develop and grow this important brand within our portfolio," said Marti Morfitt, chief executive of the firm.
The newly acquired patents and patent applications cover CNS' existing product line of FiberChoice fiber supplements and will begin to expire in December 2016.
FiberChoice is currently available in original Orange and Assorted Fruit Flavored chewable tablets, and Fiber Drops. CNS will begin shipping two new FiberChoice products to retailers in February, one with added calcium, and the other for weight management, containing chromium picolinate and green tea.
