Details of the agreement were not disclosed by the companies, but they said that the deal is looked at on 'a a long term basis.'
Designed to decrease fat and calories and increase healthy insoluble fiber in a variety of products - including cheese, baked goods, meat products, dressings, confectionery - Z-Trim is a patented corn-based ingredient originally developed at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
The functional food ingredient fell under the umbrella of Circle Group when the company acquired Fiber Gel Technologies back in September 2002.
The company said in early January that it will launch its novel fat replacer to the consumer market at the forthcoming exhibition - the HealthExpo exhibit at Florida State Fair from January 16 - February 1. In addition, the US firm said it is due to soon start selling Z-Trim over the Internet and by phone.
Last year Fiber Gel Technologies set up a partnership with Hyacinth Resources to expand distribution of its corn-based ingredient product in the Asian marketplace.
"Hyacinth is in the unique position of having access to substantial prime business commerce relationships in Indonesia," said, at the time, Gregory J. Halpern, Fiber Gel's CEO. "This largely untapped market paves the way for Z-Trim manufacturing opportunities in Indonesia and distribution to the Asian Market."