09.01.02
Solbar Hatzor: Providing Quality Soy Products
Solbar Hatzor Ltd., Ashdod, Israel, was created when it was purchased and renamed Solbar by Kibbutz Hatzor in 1987. The company has been involved in the world of soy proteins since 1963 when its process for manufacturing soy protein concentrates (SPCs) was first patented.
Over the years, Solbar has developed a range of powdered SPCs, textured soy concentrates (TSCs) and textured soy proteins (TSPs) for both food and feed applications. Solbar is primarily active in industrial meat processing, convenience foods, functional foods and dietary supplements.
As for the nutraceuticals market, the company became involved in this area with the introduction of natural soy isoflavones under the name Solbar Plant Extracts (SPE). According to Gary Brenner, director of marketing, “In response to clinical reviews we realized the important benefits of soy beyond the protein, fiber and amino acid content.”
Of the isoflavones contained in soybeans genistein and daidzein hold the most promise from a preventive and therapeutic point of view, according to the company. Genistein particularly has been touted for its anti-cancer properties, which has been demonstrated in numerous clinical studies. SPE isoflavones are Identity Preserved Non-GMO and are supplied in concentrations of 3%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 30% and 40% total isoflavones with high levels of genistin and genistein.
In terms of its specific offerings to the nutraceuticals industry, SPE supplies SOLGEN and NUTRAGEN, which are rich, natural sources of soy isoflavones extracted through a highly sophisticated process.
Mr. Brenner talked about the advantages of SOLGEN and NUTRAGEN. “SOLGEN, which is used for dietary supplements, is available in a wide range of concentrations. This gives supplement manufacturers greater flexibility for more cost-efficient formulations,” he said, adding, “Dietary supplements containing SOLGEN can already be found in capsules, tablets, sachets, beverages and topical cosmeceutical applications in the U.S., Latin America, Europe, Israel and the Asia/Pacific region.”
As for functional foods, Mr. Brenner commented, “NUTRAGEN is a traditional soy protein fortified with soy isoflavones. Soy protein concentrates have a bland flavor profile and important binding properties for food processing.” He explained further, “Applications for NUTRAGEN include vegetarian ready meals, bars, dairy products, breakfast cereals, beverages, soup mixes and breads.” Both SOLGEN and NUTRAGEN isoflavones have been affirmed by SPE to be generally recognized as safe (GRAS).
In the new product arena, Solbar made two introductions at this year’s Vitafoods exhibition held in Geneva, Switzerland.The company announced it acquired from International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (IFF), New York, NY, a line of steam textured soy proteins formerly sold under the Bontrae™ trademark and now marketed as Bontex. The products are sold primarily for use in the manufacture of instant soups and ready meals to suit consumer needs for products with a meat-like texture. The second introduction included its SOLGEN SR slow release isoflavone extract. Mr. Brenner explained, “SOLGEN SR is microencapsulated to achieve a slow release effect, avoiding high serum peaks and sustained availability throughout the day. This should lead to improved consumer compliance by consuming fewer pills each day.”
Commenting on potential growth in the market for soy isoflavones Mr. Brenner said, “The market is growing thanks to improved health consciousness among consumers.” But, he said, there is a disparity between the market for soy isoflavone use in dietary supplements in Europe verses the U.S. He explained, “The market for soy isoflavones seems to have reached a plateau in the U.S., but it is growing rapidly in Europe.”—T.W.
Solbar Hatzor Ltd.
P.O. Box 2230
Ashdod, Israel 77121
Telephone: 972-8-856-1414
Fax: 972-8-856-1455
E-mail: spe@solbar.com
Website: www.solbar.com