Tate & Lyle has signed an exclusive, worldwide license
agreement with Eminate Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The
University of Nottingham, for its unique salt reduction
technology.
The product, currently known as 'SODA-LO®', enables added
salt levels to be reduced by up to 30 per cent in foods such as
bread, pizza bases, pastry, savoury pie fillings, cheese and baked
snacks.
SODA-LO® is an innovative clean label salt product that
enables salt content to be reduced in food without loss of flavour
or structure.
Under the license agreement, Tate & Lyle will assume
responsibility for commercialising the SODA-LO® salt reduction
technology on a global basis including manufacturing, product
development, sales and marketing.
Several well-known food manufacturers, primarily in the UK and
USA, are already using SODA-LO®. Tate & Lyle plans to
commence a global rollout of the product in 2012.
Karl Kramer, President of Innovation and Commercial Development
at Tate & Lyle said: "The SODA-LO® salt reduction
technology is an excellent addition to Tate & Lyle's Health
& Wellness offering. Salt reduction is a high-profile priority
for many of our customers who are committed to formulating reduced
salt products to meet growing consumer demand."
Neil Davidson, Chairman of Eminate Ltd said: "This is a
significant deal for Eminate Ltd and we are delighted that Tate
& Lyle is working with us and The University of Nottingham to
fully commercialise our novel salt reduction technology. Tate &
Lyle's relationships with global food companies and its technical
and applications development expertise and resources, will help
both parties to maximise commercial value from this exciting
technology."
This technology partnership was assessed and developed by Tate
& Lyle's Open Innovation team, part of its Innovation and
Commercial Development group. The Open Innovation team utilises its
global network to develop partnerships with universities, customers
and start-ups specialising in food science with the goal of
successfully bringing their new technologies and products to
market.