The proprietary blend – Enlivitea – contains one green and one black tea variety – chosen after researching 100s of varieties via a trusted supplier and a review of the existing scientific literature.
Immunity, well-being and 'graceful ageing' would be the conditions around which the initial push would focus, with the first co-branded dietary supplements expected in the US this year after preliminary discussions with “major players”.
The fact it is water extracted rather than solvent extracted was also being highlighted, especially in countries where the use of solvents could raise regulatory issues.
Kemin emphasized the launch was global with showcases planned at trade shows in Asia, Europe, latin America as well as North America.
Clinical trials are in the planning process and will be conducted next year, research and development vice president, Michael Ceddia, told NutraIngredients-USA.com.
“We spent a long time researching this product to get the proper ratio of green tea to black tea,” he said, noting the complex interaction between the green tea catechins and black tea theaflavins.
“We have found a unique way to blend the teas which delivers a higher antioxidant level than many other extracts.”
Kemin is recommending 1000mg as a daily dose to its clients and which could be delivered in one capsule.
Ceddia said the company was not perturbed about entering the space at a time Lipton and Dr Snapple had been rapped for making misleading green tea claims.
“Those products were food items and we are focusing on dietary supplements at the moment so the two are not comparable.”
GRAS approval was being sought though.
The global green tea market is estimated at $5.75bn by Euromonitor.