FrieslandCampina Ingredients, a global leader in protein and prebiotics, is set to return to Fi Europe 2023 (28-30 November) in Frankfurt, Germany, to showcase its latest developments in adult nutrition. At its booth (hall 3.0, stand D40), the company will highlight opportunities for brands to target the gut-muscle axis with its cutting-edge Biotis® Fermentis, created to support athletic performance and holistic health. FrieslandCampina Ingredients will also share plant-based inspiration with its delicious Plantaris™ protein bar applications, as well as unveil a brand new whey protein ingredient designed to step up medical nutrition innovation.

Biotis® Fermentis, the gut health goodness

Consumers worldwide are increasingly looking to improve their health by being more active; two-thirds of people say they now exercise at least three times a week on average.1 At the same time, research demonstrates that intensive exercise and related dietary habits can cause gut discomfort – leading to negative effects on overall well-being and impacting sports performance.

At Fi Europe, FrieslandCampina Ingredients will showcase its ‘game-changing’ Biotis® Fermentis ingredient for sports nutrition. By fermenting protein, prebiotics, and probiotics together, this first-of-its-kind solution boosts the properties of its individual ingredients, effectively targeting the gut-muscle axis. Recently shortlisted for the 2023 ‘Best Sports Nutrition Ingredient’ award by ESSNA, Biotis® Fermentis has been shown to deliver multiple health benefits, including improved gut health and muscle support, as well as perceived improvements to wider well-being, including mood and energy levels.

In a trial conducted by FrieslandCampina Ingredients, 80 percent of participants self-reported improved satisfaction with their physical well-being after three weeks of taking the ingredient daily.2 This means brands can design holistic sports nutrition solutions that maximise athletic performance from the inside out.

Visitors can find out more about this unique solution by joining the ‘Reformulation with Innovative Ingredients Innovation Tour’ at Fi Europe on Wednesday, 29 November. FrieslandCampina Ingredients’ Linda Bentert, Segment Marketing Manager for Biotis®, will deliver a talk entitled “Unlocking the gut-muscle axis: exploring the power of fermentation in sports nutrition” in the Exhibitor Showcase Theatre on Tuesday 28 November at 14:30 CET.

Plantaris™: unlocking the full potential of plant-based proteins

Protein remains front of minds, with active consumers on the lookout for innovative plant-based sources alongside traditional dairy proteins. In fact, the size of the global plant-based bars market is skyrocketing, with an expected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.0% from 2023 to 2030.3 However, 33% of consumers are concerned about the texture of high-protein snacks,4 and plant proteins in particular often present formulation challenges relating to sensory experience.

At FrieslandCampina Ingredients’ stand, visitors will be able to taste the company’s latest plant protein bar applications, made with Plantaris™ pea or faba protein ingredients. Providing a protein content of over 15g per serving, these concepts show how brands can leverage neutral-tasting ingredients to address the challenges associated with the taste, texture, and shelf life of developing high-protein plant-based bars, delivering on consumers’ sensory expectations. Attendees can find out more about Plantaris™ by taking part in the ‘Plant-Based Innovation Tour’ on 28 November.

Sneak peek: the whey to innovate in medical nutrition

FrieslandCampina Ingredients will be also launching a brand-new whey protein ingredient in the New Product Zone. Designed to unlock untapped opportunities in medical nutrition, this ingredient leverages the company’s unparalleled technological and application expertise, allowing brands to create appealing and nutrient-dense medical nutrition products that meet patient needs.

“We’re thrilled to be back at Fi Europe – it’s always a great chance to meet with customers new and current, as well as build valuable wider industry connections,” comments Vicky Davies, Global Marketing Director for Performance, Active & Medical Nutrition at FrieslandCampina Ingredients. “This year, we’re spotlighting our protein portfolio and how our unrivalled application expertise can help unlock innovation potential. Our Plantaris™ high protein bar applications, which deliver high levels of plant-based protein without compromising on taste or texture, are just one example of what manufacturers can achieve when working with best-in-class ingredients. Also making its Fi Europe debut is Biotis® Fermentis, a first-of-its-kind solution in sports nutrition which enables brands to deliver multiple holistic benefits to boost sports performance in one convenient product. Perhaps most excitingly, we’re introducing a new ingredient for medical nutrition applications at this year’s show, so keep your eyes peeled for more information, coming soon!”

Find out more about FrieslandCampina Ingredients’ range of protein and prebiotic ingredients at Fi Europe by registering here and visiting booth #3.0D40.

¹ FMCG Gurus, Top Ten Trends, 2021

² FrieslandCampina Ingredients, internal consumer research in collaboration with MMR research  

³ Grand View Research, Plant-based Bars Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product Type (Protein Bars, Granola/Cereal Bars), By Nature (Organic, Conventional), By Distribution Channel, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 – 2030. https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/plant-based-bars-market-report 

⁴ FMCG Gurus, Consumer Perspectives on Protein Consumption in 2022.