V.RMH.2400 - Market validation of functional beverages containing collagen peptides from Australian sheep

Summary

This project determined if a range of carbonated functional beverages made with Australian collagen could be developed. The project manufactured 3 SKU (product lines) along with the completion of Nutritional Ingredient Panels (NIP) panels for each SKU. The project also looked at determining what sorts of functional claims could be made and what the size of the total addressable market could be with a functional beverage product.

Objectives

The objectives of this project were:
1. Complete product development and finalise ingredients and taste profiles.
2. Complete the Nutritional Ingredient Panels (NIPs) and artwork for bottle labels.
3. Undertake commercial manufacturing trials of 3 SKUs, New Skin, New Bones and New Gut to refine manufacturing process, reassess flavour profiles, review finished product packaging and for product sampling.
4. Design and produce display and handout promotional materials.
5. Undertake a comparison of the New Me Co product range functionality and NIPs against products currently available in the market.
6. Define a business model for New Me Co.

Key findings

Food Innovation Partners have developed a lightly carbonated functional beverage range under the company brand name, New Me Co that have proven scientific effect targeting anti-ageing, New Skin, bone and joint health, New Bones and digestive health, New Gut. The range of functional beverages contain Australian ovine collagen peptides manufactured in Australia by Organic Technology Holdings (OTH). OTH and Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) have co-invested in the development of a new enzyme process to manufacture collagen peptide from sheep skins,

This project involved finalisation of product development, complete branding, packaging and undertake commercial manufacturing trials to produce product for promotion and sampling at Meat & Livestock Australia’s Annual General Meeting and the MLA Update event in Bendigo on 23 November 2023.

Benefits to industry

The New Me range of functional beverages has the potential to initially capture 10% of the Australian collagen drinks market with the flow on opportunity to potentially lead to a launch into international markets.

MLA action

MLA will publish the Final Report associated with the completion of this work to showcase to industry the potential opportunities for incorporating Australian red meat co products into functional beverages.

Future research

Further investment via the field and use of red meat co products in different and unique formats outside of commodity red meat products remains a key focus area for the program.