Postbiotic product samples.
Image: Tetra Pak
Tetra Pak has announced a collaboration with AB Biotek to introduce a new postbiotic food and drink ingredient, which it says opens up a new range of opportunities for manufacturers.
The ingredient comes in powder form, and can be integrated in food processing at the mixing stage of ultra high temperature (UHT) products, like beverages, dairy products, ice cream and cheese. Tetra Pak is currently exploring an array of postbiotic food concepts, including high protein ambient yogurt, high protein tea and reduced sugar juice. This involves working with food producers throughout their product journey, from ideation to product concepts testing to industrial validation at the company’s world-class Product Development Centres.
Tetra Pak notes that this collaboration comes at a pivotal moment for the health and wellness market, which is estimated to grow from today’s $124.26 billion to $232.46 billion by 2030, representing an annual growth rate of 9.33% according to the Global Research and Markets 2023.
Alberto Kullovitz, Tetra Pak processing director, South Europe, said: “We are pleased to see the launch of our first postbiotic product In Italy. Inalpi cheese protein slices enriched with postbiotics. This postbiotic innovation is not just a response to a demand; it’s a demonstration of our ambition to keep our customers ahead of market trends – no matter how fast they move. Together with AB Biotek, we have harnessed our scientific knowledge in food to bring new innovative solutions to the market.”
Gerald Dard, managing director at AB Biotek, continues: “For the first time, we can now unlock new opportunities for food producers to offer fortified products in categories such as tea, plant-based beverages, sports drinks and more. We are excited to embark on this exciting journey with Tetra Pak.”
