Holista Colltech Limited (ASX: HCT) saw its share price rocket up 168.8% to 21.5 cents today, after the company announced a major scientific breakthrough to produce clean-label white bread with the lowest ever reading in the Glycemic Index (GI).
Holista used its proprietary GI Lite formulae – made from extracts of okra, lentils, barley and fenugreek – and partner Veripan's natural sourdough PANATURA to achieve a Glycemic Index (GI) readin of 53.
Switzerland-based Veripan AG is Europe's largest independent supplier of specialist bakery ingredients.
Holista says the breakthrough was achieved in a study which was validated by a leading Australian university and can significantly reduce blood sugar levels caused by consuming white bread and other bakery products.
The two partners will now jointly distribute the PANATURA GI which will allow the launch of the world's first clean-label low GI white bread. Australia will be targeted first, followed by Europe, North America, China, India and the rest of Asia. Holista says the global white bread market is worth US$170 billion – although the company is only aiming at a small part of that market.
The ability of bakers to reduce the GI in white bread, pizza dough and noodles should mean a lower prevalence of conditions such as obesity, diabetes and heart disease caused by the consumption of high GI score foods.
Chairman of Veripan, Mr Meiert J Grootes quipped, "This is the best thing since sliced bread."
