The 2008 Frost & Sullivan Global Food and Beverage Prebiotics Product Innovation Award is presented to Ireland-based Marigot Ltd. and U.S.-based GTC Nutrition for their unique partnership product concept - CalciLife(TM). This prebiotic-based mineral absorption-enhancer aims at simultaneously promoting bone, digestive and immune health.

"The companies have answered the needs of a growing consumer demographic by innovatively targeting nutrition and health within the developing global functional food ingredients market with their science-based combination product," notes Frost & Sullivan Industry Analyst Dr. Deborah Cross. "CalciLife(TM) has an attractive future as a fortification product, with bone health-enhancing effects."

The CalciLife(TM) concept innovatively combines two signature products, Marigot's Aquamin(R) multi-mineral scientifically proven product and GTC Nutrition's prebiotic NutraFlora(R) short-chain fructo-oligosaccharides (scFOS(R)). Utilising the multi-mineral absorption and enhancement facility of the prebiotic and sourcing the minerals from a novel seaweed source, the product format within CalciLife(TM) delivers an optimised mineral delivery system for consumers, particularly for calcium delivery in the context of bone health.

"This product combination supports multiple benefits in mineral absorption and bone health and also in digestive and immune health," states Dr. Cross. "This product is strongly tailored toward the functional foods market."

Aquamin(R) and CalciLife(TM) both contain an array of 74 trace minerals, including a dairy- and allergen-free calcium source. As a result, the Aquamin(R) ingredient is suitable for consumption by lactose-intolerant individuals. Such a focus fills a niche in the market, meeting the need of the increasing numbers of lactose intolerant consumers.

CalciLife(TM) is unlike other marine-derived ingredients, with its unique function of improving organoleptic properties when compared to other calcium sources. This function ensures that the finished product is clean-tasting and has no tainting when consumed.

This product is also unusual in that the calcium source, Aquamin(R), is derived completely from algal plant sources, and thus can be produced from a sustainable resource. Additionally, the product also has a unique porous structure to absorb any unwanted flavours from oils, fats and liquids within the finished product.

"The competitive advantage of CalciLife(TM) arises from its sustainable sourcing and unique composition of over 70 essential trace minerals, giving it a dual-concept and value-added approach," adds Dr. Cross. "Additionally, CalciLife(TM), containing both NutraFlora(R) prebiotic scFOS(R) and Aquamin(R), offers a combined effect on the texture and product characteristics of the finished food or beverage product."

Aquamin(R) and CalciLife(TM) are among a very small number of plant-based calcium sources on the market. All other sources are inorganically-derived. The Aquamin(R) and CalciLife(TM) products are available in a variety of product formats, which helps the company to do business with diverse clients in both the functional food and food supplement sectors.

"Thus, this product is a front-runner in the global food ingredients market, and to date has been widely utilised in product applications within the beverage, confectionery and bakery markets, as well as the dairy market," concludes Dr. Cross. Marigot and GTC Nutrition have stated that research into potential applications in ultra-heat treated (UHT) milk, long-life yoghurt drinks and in spoonable yoghurt are ongoing, as well as applications in pain relief.

The Frost & Sullivan Award for Product Innovation is presented to the company that has demonstrated excellence in new products and technologies within its industry. The recipient company has shown innovation by launching a broad line of emerging products and technologies.

Frost & Sullivan Best Practices Awards recognise companies in a variety of regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analysis, and extensive secondary research in order to identify best practices in the industry.

About Marigot Ltd.

Established in 1992 Marigot is the Food Ingredients company within the wider Marigot Group. Marigot has since its inception positioned itself at the forefront of technology and innovation by adopting a high profile - in depth scientific approach to the research and market development of Aquamin. Aquamin natures leading multi-mineral is growing in acceptance among the wider scientific community following a number of peer review publications. Extensively tested in osteo-health & inflammation areas Aquamin is the leading scientifically proven multi-mineral for bone and joint health improvement.

Today Aquamin is being sold in over 25 countries covering a wide customer base with multiple applications in Foods, Beverages and Dietary supplement applications.

About GTC Nutrition

GTC Nutrition is a recognized leader in providing innovative, customized ingredient solutions along with scientific, technical and marketing expertise to the food processing, dietary supplement and animal feed industries. GTC Nutrition promotes health globally with innovative functional food ingredients and unsurpassed customer support. For more information, visit gtcnutritionsolutions.com.

About Frost & Sullivan

Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, enables clients to accelerate growth and achieve best in class positions in growth, innovation and leadership. The company's Growth Partnership Service provides the CEO and the CEO's Growth Team with disciplined research and best practice models to drive the generation, evaluation and implementation of powerful growth strategies. Frost & Sullivan leverages over 45 years of experience in partnering with Global 1000 companies, emerging businesses and the investment community from 31 offices on six continents. To join our Growth Partnership, please visit http://www.frost.com.