Media Release
Monday June 10th 2013: For Immediate Release
Distribution deal launches value-added dairy product into Japanese market
Hamilton, New Zealand - New Zealand-based dairy biotechnology company, Quantec Ltd, announced today that it has signed a
distribution and supply agreement with a major Japanese specialty ingredients company, Kanematsu Chemicals Corporation.
Kanematsu will distribute Quantec’s patented complex of bioactive milk proteins, called IDP®, throughout Japan.
In a deal that is expected to extend over a number of years, the distribution agreement gives Quantec an expansion
opportunity into a key Asian market and provides Kanematsu with access to a unique New Zealand dairy-based bioactive
protein ingredient for inclusion into Japanese functional foods and human health products.
“Japanese consumers have always looked very favourably on New Zealand dairy products and we expect the agreement between
Quantec and Kanematsu to further build on this customer perception of quality and innovation,” according to James
Groenhart, Business Development Manager of Kanematsu New Zealand Ltd.
Founder and Managing Director of Quantec Ltd, Dr Rod Claycomb explained that, “IDP® is a unique ingredient naturally
derived from fresh milk. It contains what we refer to as having ‘Triple-A’ activity - antibacterial, anti-inflammatory
and antioxidant. For example, if used in an oral care product, IDP® targets and kills organisms responsible for bad
odour while leaving healthy mouth organisms unharmed. It does so by being selective and targeting those characteristics
of more harmful bacteria.
“We’ve been working with Kanematsu for over two years to test the Japanese market and prepare for product development
and launch. We’re especially thankful to Peter Maxwell, Callaghan Innovation’s Business Growth Manager at Waikato
Innovation Park in Hamilton, who recognised the opportunity for both Quantec and Kanematsu and made the initial
introductions.”
Founded in 2007, Quantec is unlike many other dairy-based companies in New Zealand who are attempting to cash-in on the
current trade of dairy commodities, like milk powder. Instead Quantec is focused on the discovery and commercialisation
of high-value bioactive compounds from milk.
This agreement with Kanematsu of Japan comes on the heels of the signing of Quantec’s first major international
distribution agreement, which is to supply its patented milk protein ingredient, IDP®, to China, through Auckland-based
company, NZ New Paradise.
#ENDS#
About Quantec Ltd
Based at the Waikato Innovation Park in Hamilton, New Zealand, Quantec is a company specialising in the discovery and
commercialisation of high-value bioactives from natural products. Quantec discovered and patented its novel milk
fraction, comprised of native immune defense proteins (IDP®), that has proven antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory
properties. www.quantec.co.nz
About Kanematsu Chemicals Corporation
Kanematsu Corporation has had a long association with New Zealand through its subsidiary company, Kanematsu NZ Ltd,
which has been active in the NZ primary food and agricultural export sector since 1937.