Naturade Expects Increased Product Demand Following FDA Soy Protein ''Heart-Health'' Claim
IRVINE, Calif.--(BW HealthWire)--Nov. 1, 1999--On the heels of last week's landmark ruling by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that diets high in soy protein may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, Naturade Inc. (OTCBB:NRDC) Monday reported that it expects an increase in demand for its new Naturade Total Soy(TM) meal replacement, as well as its other soy protein booster product lines, all of which qualify to carry a "heart-disease prevention" product label because they meet the requirements of the FDA.
According to Naturade Chief Executive Officer Bill Stewart, retail availability of its soy protein products has expanded from the company's traditional base of more than 1,500 leading natural-health- food stores to now include more than 5,000 mass retail stores, such as Rite-Aid, Target and Kroger, an addition of 2,900 mass retail stores since April.
The company's other soy protein booster product lines that qualify for the "heart-disease prevention" claim are Naturade NRG(TM), Naturade Vegetable Protein(TM) and Naturade 100% Soy(TM). All of the company's soy protein boosters are available today in most independent health-food stores in the country.
Soy protein products have been the mainstay of the Naturade business, accounting for about 44 percent of its revenue. As a result of growing consumer interest in soy protein, Naturade 100% Soy, which "tastes great" according to Stewart, recently has grown to become the No. 1 product in sales in the category in health-food stores, surpassing Naturade NRG -- this according to SPINS Distributor Information (latest two months, ended Aug. 31, 1999).
Also according to SPINS, eight of the top 10 products in sales in the category carry the Naturade brand name. Naturade has been a leading source of high-quality soy protein powders for health-food stores and a pioneer in promoting the health benefits of soy protein for nearly 50 years.
Specifically, the FDA ruling that took effect Oct. 26 explains that "Consuming 25 grams of soy protein a day as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease."
"Naturade actually began shipping products with a 'heart-disease prevention' label on the first date allowed by the FDA," Stewart said.
"We are a fast-moving, entrepreneurial company, and we have been anticipating this FDA action for almost a year. We created Naturade Total Soy as a superior product and put a rapid label-conversion plan into effect for all our soy protein products to be in a position to reap substantial financial benefits for our customers, suppliers, vendors, shareholders and other important audiences," Stewart added.
Stewart pointed out that there is a huge potential to make a real difference in people's health. "We welcome the FDA announcement because the potential for reducing America's 'No. 1' killer -- heart disease -- is outstanding. Importantly," he stated, "soy protein is supported by more than 40 clinical studies assuring both tangible results in lowering cholesterol and long-term consumer interest."
Stewart said the long-term benefit to Naturade will not be limited to just a heart-disease claim. "There is significant clinical research under way that is anticipated to support future claims for soy protein regarding osteoporosis and aiding the transition through menopause," he said.
Stewart explained: "We expect that the year 2000 will be an exciting growth year in sales for Naturade as we substantially increase our account base and see what we expect will be increased consumer demand for our existing soy protein line. We anticipate this will result in the improved financial performance of our company."
Founded in 1926, Naturade's offices are in new, modern facilities in Irvine. The company is committed to marketing innovative natural products that actively nourish and improve the health and well-being of consumers.
The company's brands include Naturade Total Soy, Naturade NRG, Naturade Vegetable Protein, Naturade 100% Soy, THE CHINESE WAY(TM) herbs, Aloe Vera 80(R) natural beauty care, and Kids' PLEX(R) nutritional products for children. For more information, visit the Naturade Web site at www.naturade.com or call toll-free 877/4-SOY-NEWS. |
