The Z-Trim range is made by FiberGel Technologies, a subsidiary of US-based Circle Group Holdings, but was originally developed at the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to decrease fat and calories and increase insoluble fibre in a wide variety of foods, including cheese, baked goods, meat products, dressings and confectionery.
The insoluble fibre is made from a blend of corn, oat and other cereals, legumes, and flaxseed-like oilseeds. It can be used to replace 40 to 60 per cent of the fat and calories in foods without changing their taste, texture and mouth feel, according to FiberGel.
The company claims that 10 grams of Z-Trim and 90 per cent of water replace 900 calories (100 grams) of fat. Z-Trim also brings cost savings over traditional oils and fat ingredients.
The product range will be targeted at major food makers, currently under pressure to increase the nutritional value of their products and reduce fat, to respond to the global obesity epidemic. The market for fat replacement ingredients is growing rapidly. It is expected to exceed $10 billion in the next five years.
The DKSH contract is FiberGel's first major entry into the overseas food industry. The Zurich-based firm, which operates in more than 35 countries, will also roll out the product to Asian markets.
"It is key for food manufacturers to respond to the global obesity crisis and associated health problems with healthier food products," said Markus Vettiger, senior vice president of the DKSH Group.
Gregory Halpern, president and CEO of Circle Group, which buys up emerging technologies, said the contract with DKSH would extend FiberGel's development and sales abilities 'far beyond initial domestic target'.
FiberGel owns the worldwide rights to the patented Z-Trim for all applications.