Perth-based Holista Colltech will launch one of the world’s lowest GI, clean label white breads into North America, as it enters an agreement with US bread maker Costanzo’s Bakery to purchase around US$1.9 million in the first year of production.
The Holista GI Lite Bread Premix was co-developed by Holista and Costanzo. It was validated by the University of Sydney in July 2020, with a GI reading of 46, which compares to readings of more than 70 for most white breads.
Under the exclusive three-year agreement, Holista’s US subsidiary Holista Foods will supply 165 tonnes of product to Costanzo’s worth around US$1.9 million in the first year, and over the next two years, shipment will increase to 220 tonnes, valued at US$2.2 million, annually.
“This is a breakthrough agreement for the North American market and we expect this to spur interest in other markets,” said Holista CEO Dr Rajen Manicka.
“We are excited to be bringing a healthier and better-tasting white bread product to the world, and we are currently in negotiations with a major supermarket chain in Australia.”
GI Lite is a patented formula made from a blend of okra, barley, lentils and fenugreek. When mixed with white flour, it “lowers the GI reading of the final product without compromising taste, mouth-feel or food production methods”.
Costanzo’s CEO Angelo Costanzo III said the team was confident about the success of the GI Lite breads due to the taste, which cannot be matched by other low GI breads on the market.
“There is a large and untapped market for clean-label, all-natural, low-GI white bread and we are pleased to be able to offer our customers such a unique and healthy product,” said Costanzo III.
Costanzo’s is a third-generation Italian baker based in New York, founded 87 years ago, amd supplies bread products across the USA and Canada to supermarkets and other retail outlets.
