A leading supplier of a natural calcium supplement used to fortify baby foods, cereals and baked goods arrives in Africa next month.
Swiss-based Omya will exhibit at Africa’s Big 7 (AB7), the continent’s biggest food and beverage expo. AB7 takes place from 19 to 21 June at Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand, South Africa.
Omya is the leading global supplier of naturally-derived calcium, which is used as an alternative to cows’ milk, and helps to produce crisper breakfast cereals and whiter baked goods, among several uses.
‘The reason for attending this year Africa’s Big 7 is to promote our company and calcium carbonate products to a wider audience in Africa,’ said Ana Castellano Gasso, manager and marketing coordinator at Omya.
‘Many consumers now eschew cow milk products because of ethical or allergic reasons but don’t want to miss out on the nutritional benefits.’
She also explained that Omya’s Calcipur boosts calcium content by up to five-times compared with some alternatives, offering cost savings to manufacturers.
In addition, calcium carbonate in breakfast cereals and snack products boosts even distribution of bubbles, improving crispness and its use in confectionary and baking offers excellent opacity and whiteness – vital for chewing gums and sugar icing.
Gasso says, ‘Omya owns mineral deposits all over the world, ensuring continuous availability. And, by using the latest technology, Omya can process the raw material for a wide range of purposes and applications.
‘This year’s AB7 offers us that gateway into the continent and we are looking forward to being at the show.’
Omya is one of more than 300 exhibitors at this year’s AB7, which also plays host to a three-day conference The Food Forum, from June 19 to 21 at the Gallagher Convention Centre.
Minimising food waste will be key part of the conference programme, which will include workshops on the future of Halaal food and preserving the region’s food supply.
