January 2012/Prepared Foods -- At the Anuga food and beverage expo in Cologne, Germany, more than 6,500 food and beverage exhibitors representing 100 countries “spread” throughout the 10 specialized trade show halls (Bread & Bakery, Hot Beverages, Chilled & Fresh Foods, Dairy, Drinks, Fine Food, Foodservice, Frozen Food, Meat, Organic and RetailTec). This year, there were a number of innovative dairy and vegetable oil spreads showcased in the Dairy hall. 

For example, Poland’s Zakład Produkcji Tłuszczy introduced BeneVita with Vitamins and Dietary Fiber. Based on vegetable oils, the spread is enhanced with the prebiotic fiber inulin, along with vitamins A, D, E, B1, B2, B6, B9 and B12. This product joins BeneVita with Evening Primrose Oil, which has been available for about five years. The product is a natural source of conjugated linoleic acid.  Belgium’s Luxlait debuted an easy-to-spread, right-from-the-refrigerator 75% butter and 25% canola oil spread in 250g resealable tubs. And, Finland’s Valio celebrated the 10-year anniversary of the launch of Valio Zero Lactose dairy products. The lactose-free butter was introduced in 2006 throughout Scandinavia, with exports growing every year.pf