NEEDLESS to say, health and nutrition trends are starting to drive more new product developments in the Middle East and Africa which continue to face their share of over- and undernutrition issues.

A product that has been formulated with an ingredient or ingredients that can provide some health-giving component is viewed with more regard by end-consumers, and the company that formulates it gains the consumer’s trust.

In this issue, Hans Schinck of Corbion Purac writes an article on fortifying beverages with calcium, one of the main benefits of which is to fight osteoporosis.

Also for better bones, Gelita highlights its many collagen peptide products for stronger ligaments and joints.

Other fortification updates in this issue include Nestlé South Africa’s successful addition of morogo, a nutritious green leafy vegetable found in Africa, to one of the world’s most popular snacks, instant noodles.