Press release: August 9, 2010
New Kiwi Product Revolutionises Baking Industry,
Nekta Nutrition Ltd, an Auckland based functional food Research Company, beverage manufacturer and exporter has launched
a new product with the potential to dramatically improve the New Zealand and Australian baking industries. This new
product is called NEKTABAKE, a natural carbohydrate extract. NEKTABAKE is a multi-functional baking ingredient made from
the iconic Kiwifruit.
NEKTABAKE can be used as a replacement for butter, animal fats, oils and casein derived products; a healthier, fat free/low fat alternative to traditional baking fats. The benefits to the baking industry are profound as it has the potential to
improve nutritional value and add other functional benefits across a broad range of products including bread, muffins,
cakes, pastry, pies and cookies.
NEKTABAKE contains the following active ingredients: Carbohydrates, Pectin, Dietary Fibre, Vitamin C, Vitamin E,
Potassium and Malic Acid.
NEKTABAKE acts as a natural stabilizer, flavour enhancer and texturiser, mimicking the rich mouth feel of fats. For example used on a traditional New Zealand meat pie, the pastry tastes just as great with the same
satisfying texture on the palate as a fat-based pastry, yet can be up to ninety-five percent fat free! Other
applications include low fat cakes, muffins, biscuits and energy bars. The benefits include additional softness in
breads, and increased yield due to its volume enhancing properties plus it can satisfy the all important consumer
“squeeze test”.
For sales and marketing purposes NEKTABAKE provides your brands with a healthy clean label with no controversial E numbers. Additional benefits include colour enhancement with rich, even browning and a depth of
flavour that emulates the taste and texture of expensive artisan products. The moisture control properties will improve
flavour, texture and softness. NEKTABAKE even prevents ice crystallization responsible for freezer burn; makes most
products microwavable, and provides a fresh-from-the-oven experience without burning or scorching.
Phil Pollet from Goodtime Foods in Hawkes Bay says, ‘NEKTABAKE has replaced seven different ingredients, three imported from the US. It has made our pastry process much
easier. The average New Zealand meat pie has sixteen percent fat; using NEKTABAKE our METRO pie range is a very low five
percent and has the Heart Foundation tick. We are working towards three percent fat content. NEKTABAKE is at the
forefront of our new product development.’
One enormous benefit to the industry is the extended shelf life, plus the moisture-binding ability increases production
yields, creating the potential to reduce costs. After eight years of research and a development cost of several million
dollars, NEKTABAKE is now available to the New Zealand and Australian baking industries. Local markets are first to have
NEKTABAKE, but with the support and expertise of New Zealand Trade and Enterprise offices around the world, NEKTABAKE is
very likely to be exported.
For more information visit www.nekta.com. For sales, distribution or technical information please call 09-2502789 or contact bakery consultant Dean Campbell on
021-02183368 email dean@nekta.com.
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