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  • Holista CollTech has commenced the shipment of ingredients to Kawan Food Berhad to manufacture the world’s first low Glycaemic Index (low-GI) flatbread
  • The flatbread will be available in Malaysia by November 2019
  • The $74,500 shipment is the first of a $1.2 million order

Holista CollTech has commenced the shipment of ingredients to Kawan Food Berhad to manufacture the world’s first low Glycaemic Index (low-GI) flatbread.

The flatbread is expected to hit Malaysian stores and restaurants in November 2019 and will be soon followed by global exports.

Holista confirmed the first shipment order of $74,500 in September, which is part of a total first year sales of $1.2 million to Kawan Food.

Kawan Food will launch a low-GI version of roti canai, a popular ethnic Indian flour-based staple, as well as low-GI chapatti and naan bread.

Kawan Food is a major supplier of frozen ethnic food and had a revenue of $70.1 million in 2018. It exports to 40 countries including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France and Australia.

Malaysia is Asia’s most obese country, with a rising incidence of diabetes primarily caused by diet.

Most Malaysian roti canai have current GI readings of about 70, Holista’s GI Lite™ has been able to reduce the GI reading by 30 to 40 per cent.

The GI is a ranking of carbohydrates in food according to how they affect blood glucose levels. Carbohydrates with a low GI value (55 or less) are more slowly digested, absorbed and metabolised which cause a lower and slower rise in blood glucose.

A diet high in carbohydrates is linked to diabetes, heart disease, obesity, reduced energy levels, food cravings and drowsiness.

The GI Lite™ mix does not affect taste, mouth-feel or food production methods.

The all natural formula comprises a blend of okra, barley, lentils and fenugreek, and when mixed with flour it lowers the GI reading.

Holista is a Perth-based research-driven biotech company which focuses on providing consumers with scientifically enhanced, engineered and tested natural health supplements and consumer products.

Holista CEO Dr Rajen Manicka is excited to launch low-GI versions of Asian flatbreads in Malaysia and abroad.

“The innovation in flatbread space has been neglected for years and now, with our low‐GI flatbreads, we expect to provide people with a healthy option with the same taste that can be consumed daily without having to worry about the health impact,” he said.

Kawan Food Managing Director Timothy Tan is pleased to work with Holista.

“We are pleased to work with Holista to produce the world’s first healthy flatbreads such as roti canai, effectively carving out a new niche in the food ingredients sector in Malaysia and beyond,” he said.

The companies also announced they are working on another new project.

HCT by the numbers
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