Barry Callebaut, the world’s leading manufacturer of
high quality cocoa and chocolate products, expects the number of products containing ACTICOA™ cocoa or chocolate to double in 2009. At present, over 30 products with
ACTICOA are sold in more than ten countries around the world. ACTICOA chocolate is one of the richest natural sources of cocoa flavanols and, among other proven health benefits, has a positive effect on cardiovascular health.

Barry Callebaut’s ACTICOA process offers the very best in natural protection, straight from the cocoa bean. Thanks to its high concentration of cocoa flavanols, ACTICOA cocoa and chocolate helps to restore the balance between antioxidants and free radicals in our body. A recent study, conducted by the Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh demonstrates that ACTICOA dark chocolate contributes to maintaining healthy blood pressure. This confirms the results of earlier studies. The daily consumption over two weeks of small portions like 17g of ACTICOA dark chocolate, which contains 500mg of cocoa flavanols, helps maintain healthy blood pressure.

ACTICOA chocolate is one of the world’s richest chocolates in cocoa flavanols, uniting both health and
indulgence in a unique product. In addition to cardiovascular health, it has been scientifically proven that flavanols have a beneficial effect on cognition while helping to keep you young and fit.

Hans Vriens, chief innovation officer at Barry Callebaut, says, “Indulgence is a vital part of our eating habits. For several years now, public awareness campaigns on the dangers of being overweight have swept the cause of enjoyment into the shadows. Today, medical experts and
nutritionists underline the importance of integrating delicious and fun eating moments in a balanced diet. Chocolate fits the bill perfectly and the rise of functional chocolate has brought the two worlds together. Health-conscious people no longer have to compromise to enjoy a delicious treat. Best of all, they can strengthen their bodies at the same time.”

Adding further evidence to the place of chocolate in a healthy, balanced diet, Barry Callebaut has recently introduced the first industrial-scale probiotic chocolate as well as the first tooth-friendly chocolate, endorsed by dentists and loved by mothers and children. The full spectrum of Barry Callebaut’s nutritionally improved chocolate products includes fibre-enriched, sugar and/or fat reduced and sugar-free chocolate. Barry Callebaut’s White Chocolate & Fruit is also the first white chocolate to include real fruit powder.

Barry Callebaut will be present at ISM in Koelnmesse, Cologne (Hall 10.2, Aisle C010/D019) from Sunday 1 to Wednesday 4 February.