Probiotics

Live micro-organisms to support health

Globally, 1 in 2 consumers have purchased probiotic products in the past year.

Digestive and immunity benefits are among the top reasons for probiotic use (FMCG Gurus, 2018)

NZMP’s unique probiotic strains LactoB HN001^TM and BifidoB HN019^TM, address these key health concerns, enabling customers to appeal to a broad range of consumers through digestive health and immunity positioning. Additionally, our probiotics are Non-GMO Project Verified, to appeal to the 46% of consumers who actively avoid GMOs.

_{Note: the scientific name for LactoB HN001 is Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus HN001*; BifidoB HN019 is Bifidobacterium animalis lactisHN019.}

The development of probiotics

Over 20 years ago our Microbial Fermentation Unit (MFU) began screening 2000+ bacterial strains to identify potential probiotics.

Through vigorous testing and extensive research, we have selected the best strains for commercialisation.

This extensive process led to the discovery of LactoB HN001^TM isolated from a New Zealand cheddar cheese culture, and BifidoB HN019^TM from a yoghurt culture. Both strains have also been Non-GMO Project Verified.

The 'secret' to success

Our MFU represents cross-functional expertise in the highly specialised field of microbial cultures, including probiotics. Originally opened in 1927, the MFU is the only facility in New Zealand to manufacture commercial probiotic cultures via fermentation. Its world-class operations boast specialised facilities with ISO, FSSC, Halal and Kosher accreditations.

As the founding section of Fonterra Research & Development Centre (FRDC), and now part of our global manufacturing network, MFU has strong ties to Massey University and other industry organisations.

MFU’s support network through FRDC provides customers with access to technical support to address needs across shelf-life stability modelling, NPD support or formulation and clinical research.

Industry Involvement

In 2020, Fonterra renewed its membership of both the International Probiotics Association (IPA) and the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP).

Our IPA membership sees us join other key probiotic industry players. It reflects our ongoing commitment to upholding the highest manufacturing standards and promotion of the health benefits of probiotic strains supported by high-quality scientific evidence. Likewise, our ISAPP membership allows us to remain at the forefont of global scientific innovation in probiotic and prebiotic science.

Our approach to probiotics

NZMP's probiotic strains tick all the boxes to give customers confidence about:

• Safety: Our strains have US FDA GRAS status, and well-established history of use, with studies showing no adverse side effects. For consumers concerned about genetic modification, our strains also have Non-GMO Project Verification.

• Stability: Our strains can survive the harsh conditions of the human gastrointestinal tract. Our proprietary manufacture techniques deliver specs with high survival rates. This provides customers with shelf-life advantages and ensures our probiotics reach consumers in a viable state to deliver health benefits.

• Effectiveness: We have scientific evidence across in vitro and in vivo studies (both animal and human research) which clinically document various health benefits. The quality of our studies is recognised in over 80 peer-reviewed publications.