Procter & Gamble has licensed the Chinese Wuxi Green Power Bio-Products exclusively for its solvent-free green tea processing technology.
P&G claims that its processing technology produces less bitter extracts with lighter colour, better clarity and high concentrations of antioxidants.
The agreement means that Green Power will use P&G's technology to manufacture extract for use by P&G and for sales in North America, Asia and Europe.
California-based Amax Nutritional will distribute the Green Power products in the US market.
With the extraction operations expected to start running later this spring, Amax is preparing for enhanced sales. "We are adding more manpower, space and equipment to handle the storage and shipping of the new product," said Kent Szeto, Amax president.
P&G says it will license a wide portfolio of green tea product application, including dietary supplements, chewing gums and personal care products. It previously licensed its calcium citrate malate (CCM) technology in a similar way.
"We believe our green tea technology portfolio will eventually be used in mainstream products globally," said Norma McDonald, associate director for P&G's food and beverage licensing.
"P&G obviously didn't invent green tea or the beneficial compounds it contains. We invented an economical way to make green tea taste and look great in a wide variety of products, while preserving its benefits," she said.