Kraft Foods Global Inc. is pushing innovation for functional foods by way of a research and licensing partnership with Minneapolis-based Medisyn Technologies Inc., Mediapost.com reported.
Medisyn specializes in pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals and animal health products. The two companies began partnering on research in December 2008, Mediapost.com reported.
The partnership could trigger faster and less-costly development of new functional food ingredients. The collaboration covers "bioactive discovery with development and commercialization milestones, as well as post-commercialization payments," Medisyn said.
Medisyn President David Land said it takes about 18 months to identify compounds that will fit a desired biological activity or health benefit, Mediapost.com reported.
"We’re excited and optimistic about our collaborations with Medisyn and the potential its technology offers to make significant discoveries in bioactive ingredients suitable for food use," said Todd Abraham, Kraft Foods SVP nutrition and research.
Kraft recently launched LiveActive Chewy Granola Bars, which are being billed as "the first-ever nationally available non-refrigerated bars containing both live probiotic cultures and fiber."