Otsuka launches low GI food product
WITH THE GOAL of becoming No 1 in Thailand’s market for diabetes nutrition products by 2020, Thai Otsuka Pharmaceuticals Co yesterday launched a product with a low glycaemic index (GI) to target consumers who want to control sugar consumption, their weigh
Company president Shinsuke Yuasa said that the medical-food-product business would continue to grow. Thanks to these growth prospects, the company has researched and developed products to accommodate the needs of consumers, particularly health-conscious people.
The company aims to become the No 1 brand of this type of food products in Thailand just like in Japan, where it is a leader in the segment.
Its new low-GI product can be consumed as an alternative to normal food.
The product provides all types of nutrients recommended for daily intake but has a GI index of only 27.29, which means it will release sugar content slowly. It has high protein with monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. It is the only product that contains fish-oil supplements for diabetics.
“Medical food with a low glycaemic index is the premium product for diabetes and weight control. The company targets consumers who have medium to high income because they are health-conscious and select high-quality products for them and their families,” Yuasa said.
“The company’s marketing strategy for medical food with a low glycaemic index focuses on providing information to medical personnel who provide health recommendations to patients. The company aims to make healthcare professionals who specialise in diabetes and obesity aware of at least 30 per cent of the total medical food products with low glycaemic indices in Thailand.
“The company has been researching and developing new recipes to suit the needs of consumers, covering all segments including senior people with kidney problems, people who can eat [only] small portions and those who have problems with absorption.
Because of its strategy to cover all segments, the company is confident that it will become No 1 in the Thai market for nutritional products for diabetics by 2020, up from the current market share of about 30 per cent. In addition, the company expects sales to grow by more than 300 per cent next year.
