Food company signs deal to use life sciences firm’s weight management technology in muesli
York-based life sciences firm Optibitox has agreed a deal that will see a North West food company use its weight management technology in its muesli packs.
Optibiotix has entered into a manufacturing and supply agreement with John Morley Foods, based in Congleton, that grants Morleys an exclusive licence to manufacture and supply the SlimBiome product in muesli packs within the UK, in return for 50% of the profit.
Optibiotix says its SlimBiome product promotes the feeling of fullness, helps burn calories by promoting a healthy metabolism while maintaining blood sugar levels to prevent overeating. It has been shown, according to the company, to reduce calorie intake by up to 20% and lower food cravings.
Morleys is a private company and a leading supplier of ingredients to breakfast cereal and food manufacturers including major retailers and many global consumer food brands.
Morleys has invested heavily over the last six months in developing a range of muesli products containing SlimBiome to be sold as own label products to major retailer or as product line extensions to existing well- known brands.
Optibiotix said the deal marks another step in expanding the range of products containing SlimBiome to meet the needs of major UK retailers and the Iarge consumer markets of India and the USA.
Stephen O’Hara, CEO of OptiBiotix, said: “We are pleased to announce the signing of a manufacturing, supply and profit sharing agreement with Morleys. We chose Morleys due to their reputation as one of the UK’s leading suppliers of specialist ingredients and the energy and passion they have shown in developing a wide range of muesli products containing SlimBiome over the last six months.
“We believe working with Morleys, and similar partners around the world, provides the best opportunity of meeting the requirements of major retailers and global brands who are looking to develop healthy products to meet growing consumer demand.”
Simon Brown, managing director of John Morley Group, added: “This is an exciting development, and a range like this has not been done by anyone else. Mueslis are healthy, but now we’re creating a muesli-plus, something that will help people control mid-morning snacking urges by making them feel fuller for longer. Not only that but SlimBiome, as a prebiotic, is good for healthy gut bacteria.
“Our plan is to launch single serving muesli pots as well as the standard bagged format to target the individual market. We are delighted to be working with OptiBiotix and taking our relationship forward in new and exciting ways.”
