2008 Frost & Sullivan Award for Product Innovation of the Year

The 2008 Frost & Sullivan Award for Product Innovation of the Year in the US Protein Market is given to AHD International for conceptualizing and developing a unique and highly beneficial protein powder, the Luravida Cranberry Protein Powder. Derived from cranberry seed extracts and manufactured with the help of the company’s new patented cold pressing technology, the 100 percent natural product offers a host of advantages over conventional soy and dairy proteins. In addition, the new product provides a wide array of benefits, is a rich protein source, and has fetched tremendous acceptance among the manufacturers of protein products such as beverages, nutritional bars, food and sports drinks.

Luravida Cranberry Protein Powder’s Unique Features  

Cranberries are a group of evergreen dwarf shrubs in the genus Vacciumium or sub genous Oxycoccus. Cranberries are low creeping vines or shrubs 2 m long and 5 m to 20 cm in height. The fruit is contained the shrubs. They are the larger than the leaves and deep red in color when ripe. The cranberry protein powder is extract produced from the seeds of the American cranberry fruit, with the help of the company’s patented cold extrusion and filtration process.

AHD International launched Luravida Cranberry Protein Powder in September 2007. The company’s new functional ingredient product is 100 percent natural. It is rich in protein content and bestowed with numerous other beneficial nutrients. In addition to delivering complete protein (all essential and branched chain amino acids), it also provides essential fatty acids (omega 3, 6, 9), dietary fiber (soluble and insoluble), minerals such as (potassium, calcium) and anti oxidants (tocopherols, tocotrienols, carotenoids, phenolics, anthocyanins). It is the only 100 percent fruit protein that contains 25 percent complete protein, including EFA’s and amino acids.

Table 1-1 provides the composition of the ingredients of Cranberry Protein Powder.

Source: Frost & Sullivan  

Luravida Cranberry Protein Powder also contains a high amount of Proanthocyanidin (PAC). The natural compound Proanthocyanin found in cranberries is known for its anti-adhesion activity in protecting the body from bacteria that cause urinary tract infections. The new product contains three times more PACs than a regular cranberry product and is therefore specifically designed for products targeting urinary tract infection.

Competitive Advantage in the U.S. Protein Market

Most of the protein sources used by end users are primarily derived from soybeans, dairy, and fish oils. Despite that the aforementioned conventional products are rich in protein (90 percent protein in soy and dairy sources); end users may face some issues if consumed. Many people are allergic to dairy and soy nutrients. Also, proteins derived from fish oils are known for its bad taste and odor. AHD International’s new natural cranberry protein powder product is abundantly valued among the end users for its advantages despite the raw material’s relatively lower level of protein content (25 percent) relative to conventional sources. Not only does it eliminate many of the allergic concerns among end users, the new product also provides a rich dose of numerous other vital nutrients required for a healthy body. It is packed with essential nutrients such as dietary fibers, fatty acids, minerals and anti oxidants. Moreover, the new product is bestowed with the credential of controlling urinary tract infection, due to high content of proanthocyanidin (PAC). Even though the premium price offered is 10-15 percent higher than that of dairy and soy products, end users are willing to pay for the plethora of additional benefits that it offers.

New Technology Associated with Luravida Cranberry Protein Powder

The highly beneficial cranberry powder protein is produced from the seed extracts of cranberry fruits, through a new, unique, and patented cold pressing technology. The powder is obtained through application of cold extrusion and filtration process over the cranberry seed extracts. This process is completely free from using any enzymes or extraction solvents, and because the new product is derived from the seeds of the cranberry, the new protein powder is 100 percent natural.

Wide Acceptance of Luravida Cranberry Protein Powder among End Users

The host of additional nutrients that cranberry protein powder offers, along with comprehensive reduction of allergic concerns and prevention of urinary tract infection among women has fetched a fantastic response for this product from end-users who intend to incorporate it in their product line. Rich in its nutritional content cranberries are highly popular among the consumers earning them a title “super fruit.” Naturally, people are already aware of the benefits of cranberries. Thus, they have shown a very positive response for this protein powder extracted from cranberry seed extracts. End user responses include large beverage companies, protein bar manufacturers, sports companies and other food companies interested in producing functional beverage products, nutritional bars, and other functional foods.  Luravida Cranberry Protein Powder can be added as a raw ingredient in protein shakes, supplements, energy bars, cosmetics and other products. By adding cranberry powder, food manufacturers can create unique products that stand out in the niche natural and functional food industries. Given its ability to prevent urinary tract infection, the new product has acquired a high demand from the manufacturers of products marketed particularly for women.

Chart 1.1 illustrates the key factors contributing to AHD International’s Successful Product Innovation Strategy in the US Protein Market

Conclusion

The new protein powder manufactured from the seed extracts of the cranberry has the potential to capture a good portion of the protein market in the near future. Besides being a 100 percent natural and a rich protein source, the new product is a storehouse of other numerous that are highly beneficial which the other more common protein sources do not provide. In addition, Luravida Cranberry Protein Powder diminishes allergen concerns and prevents urinary tract infection among the consumers. AHD’s cranberry protein powder has fetched widespread response from end users ranging from beverage, manufacturers to sports drink makers, food manufacturers and nutritional manufacturers as well as manufacturers of women products. These attributes make AHD International the worthy recipient of the 2008 Frost & Sullivan Award for Product Innovation of the year in the United States protein market.

Award Description

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

Research Methodology

To choose a recipient of this Award, the analyst team tracks all new product launches, R&D spending, products in development, and new product features and modifications. This is accomplished through interviews with the market participants and extensive secondary and technology research. All new product launches and new products in development in each company are compared and evaluated based on degree of innovation and customer satisfaction. Companies are then ranked by number of new product launches and new products in development.

Measurement Criteria

In addition to the methodology describe above, there are specific criteria used to determine final competitor rankings in this industry. The recipient of this Award has excelled based on one or more of the following criteria:

• Significance of new product(s) in their industry
• Competitive advantage of new product(s) in their industry
• Product innovation in terms of unique or revolutionary technology
• Product acceptance in the marketplace
• New product value-added services provided to customers
• Number of competitors with similar product(s)

With our 5 warehouse distribution system affords our customers the opportunity of the maximum on-time delivery of their orders. This geographically dispersed distribution system in conjunction with our connection to the manufacturers, offers the highest quality product with the fastest available delivery time.

AHD International has been in business since 1998 and has years of experience in selecting, selling and distribution of the highest quality ingredients available. Our select distribution relationships afford AHD access to the best product in the shortest time providing our customers the best resources available.

We are strictly a bulk supplier to manufacturers – we do not sell to re-sellers or individuals. Our minimum order size is approximately 25 kilos. AHD International LLC is classified as an importer, exporter and distributor of nutritional ingredients depending on the ingredient specified. AHD has 5 warehouse locations across North America and sales agents in over 10 countries. We are the only ingredient company to be awarded the Dun and Bradstreet's fastest growing company in America twice in 1999 and 2002.

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*"These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease."