Ganeden Biotech and Tropical Nut & Fruit Develop New Probiotic Yogurt Raisins

CLEVELAND, July 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Ganeden Biotech, Inc., maker of the patented probiotic strain GanedenBC30®, today announced the launch of a new partnership with Tropical Nut & Fruit, Inc., a manufacturer of nuts, snacks, high-quality chocolate and yogurt products.  The new partnership includes a series of four functional confection mixes that will incorporate GanedenBC30, the first of which is included within the company's yogurt covered raisins.  

The probiotic yogurt covered raisins are currently only available for purchase in bulk, but samples will be available at Ganeden Biotech's booth (3361) during this year's IFT Annual Meeting and Food Expo, which runs from July 17 – 20, 2010 in Chicago.  

"Ganeden's status as the industry leader, combined with the ability of GanedenBC30® to remain shelf-stable made partnering with them a no-brainer," said Alicia Lehota, president of Tropical Nut & Fruit, Inc.  "We wanted to ensure that our products maintained the same flavor and consistency when infused with a probiotic, and GanedenBC30® allowed us to do that."  

GanedenBC30® is unique to the market, as it has an ability to survive harsh manufacturing processes, unlike other probiotic strains.  This is due to the naturally-occurring layer of organic material that protects the genetic core of the bacteria, allowing for GanedenBC30® to survive the manufacturing process and still provide its added health benefits, which includes supporting digestive and immune health.  

"We are excited to be able to provide our patented probiotic to such a great company, especially one that is similarly committed to superior customer service and nutritional excellence," said Andrew Lefkowitz, Ganeden Biotech president and CEO.  "The yogurt raisins are the first product of this partnership, but we look forward to developing similar confections and continuing to expand on this partnership in the near future."

About Ganeden Biotech

Founded in 1996, Ganeden Biotech, Inc. is based in Cleveland, Ohio, and is the largest seller of over-the-counter probiotics in the U.S. through its Digestive Advantage® and Sustenex® brands. It also licenses its patented probiotic bacteria, GanedenBC30, for use in commercial food and beverage applications, nutraceuticals and in animal health industries. GanedenBC30 is self-affirmed GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) by an independent panel of experts assembled to assess its safety in use as a food ingredient. For more information about licensing opportunities visit ganedenlabs.com and for probiotic supplement information visit digestiveadvantage.com or sustenex.com.

About Tropical Nut & Fruit, Inc.

Tropical Nut & Fruit, Inc has been in business for over 25 years, roasting and seasoning nuts, manufacturing sesame sticks, snacks and snack mixes and producing high quality chocolate and yogurt products.  As a manufacturer, they offer products in a variety of packages, including bulk and retail.  They happily support their brand and private label opportunities.  Always innovative and forward thinking, Tropical Nut & Fruit constantly strives to find ways to develop new tastes, textures or add functionality to mainstream consumer products.  For more information, please visit http://www.tropicalfoods.com/.  

SOURCE Ganeden Biotech, Inc.