Shareholders in Medifast, a US-based soy products manufacturer, were told at the company's AGM last week that the first five months of the year had been extremely successful, helped by the launch of the new diabetic product.
Company chairman Bradley T. MacDonald said: "For five months, Medifast increased its sales year-to-date by 45 per cent due to new product introductions including Medifast Plus for Diabetics, a revolutionary line of products specially formulated for physicians who treat diabetics. We expect revenues to significantly increase as a result of the launch of this clinical soy-based line tailored to meet the demanding nutritional needs of diabetics."
The Medifast Plus for Diabetics line of nutritional shakes was launched earlier this year and has already been granted a Seal of Approval from the Glycemic Research Institute. The line, designated as low glycemic, does not overly stimulate blood glucose and insulin and does not stimulate fat-storing enzymes, the company said.
So far the line consists of three shakes, a chilli recipe, apple cinnamon oatmeal, chicken soup, broccoli soup, chicken noodle soup, ready-to-drink beverages and two snack bars. Most Medifast products are heart healthy as approved by the FDA and contain at least 6.25 grams of soy protein per serving, the firm added.
Shareholders at the meeting were also told that that the company had attained 10 consecutive quarters of profit and improved cash flow, and that a new advertising programme was expected to drive revenues and ensure profitable growth and increased shareholder value.