Fortitech Inc. is a world leader in the development of custom nutrient premixes for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. Founded in 1986, it is the only international company exclusively dedicated to the development and manufacture of nutrient premixes. Fortitech premixes integrate functional ingredients from a comprehensive selection of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, nucleotides and nutraceuticals that are used in a wide range of products, including baby formulas, cereals, bars, dairy products, nutrition and sports drinks, juices, snacks, waters, candies, supplements and more. Headquartered in Schenectady, N.Y., the company has a global network of manufacturing and distribution facilities throughout Europe (Denmark), Asia Pacific (Malaysia), South America (Brazil), Mexico and the United States (New York and California).

All Fortitech nutrient premixes are custom formulated to meet the needs of each customer. An ISO 9001:2000 certified company, Fortitech manufactures each nutrient premix under the strictest GMPs in the industry. Before shipment, each batch is carefully tested for potency and consistency, as well as labeled with a Certificate of Analysis. Fortitech supplies custom premixes in liquid or powder form, in virtually any quantity. The company is Food Products Association (FPA) certified and meets organic, kosher, Halal requirements and HACCP and Allergen Monitoring program standards.

The new fortitech.com is the focal point of fortification knowledge, offering a global view of nutrition trends, solutions and opportunities. The new online R&D Center enables users to conduct research on markets, nutrients, applications and health conditions — finding the latest information for developing a healthier consumer product. The site features easy access to information on breaking industry news on regulations and market trends, an online formulation worksheet to initiate product development with Fortitech’s premix experts, and other resources to help manufacturers create the optimum product solution. Not Just Premixes … Strategic Nutrition. — Fortitech Inc., 2105 Technology Drive, Schenectady, N.Y. 12308; 518/372-5155; www.fortitech.com.

Symrise has introduced MagicTops, an innovative beverage enhancement device that can transform bottled water or other beverages into more flavorful, nutritious or fun beverages. MagicTops can be filled with powder, liquid concentrates, encapsulates or spray-dried alcohol to create new beverages. They are easy to use, allowing the consumer to remove the original bottle cap, replace with a MagicTop, then twist it to release ingredients. The tops are small, lightweight and self-contained, and can be stored at room temperature. — Symrise, 300 North Street, Teterboro, N.J. 07608; 201/288-3200; www.symrise.com.

Nutrinova is celebrating 50 years of experience in potassium sorbate and sorbic acid in 2006. The company says the past 50 years have proved these products to be highly efficient and safe food preservatives with a broad range of applications.

“We will invest further in our production site in Frankfurt, Germany, and continue to develop the advantages that our sorbates offer,” says Eckart von Haefen, president of Nutrinova. “Nutrinova is well positioned to supply its products to an ever broader range of market segments that demand consistently high quality products. We are well prepared for the opportunities the future will bring.” — Nutrinova Inc., 285 Davidson Ave., Suite 102, Somerset, N.J. 08873; 732/271-7220; www.nutrinova.com.

Optisharp brand zeaxanthin from DSM Nutritional Products can make products more appealing to consumers who are seeking foods and beverages for better eye health, DSM says. Studies have shown a relationship between the consumption of lutein and zeaxanthin and a lower incidence of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. They are the only two carotenoids found in the macula of the eye, and growing evidence indicates that zeaxanthin may be the perfect complement to lutein. Optisharp is GRAS certified and the ingredient is suited to applications such as energy bars, fruit juices and fruit drinks, energy drinks, meal replacement drinks and soy-based beverages. — DSM Nutritional Products Inc., 45 Waterview Blvd., Parsippany, N.J. 07054; 800/526-0189; www.nutraaccess.com.

Stepan Food & Health Specialties offers Neobee Medium Chain Triclycerides for use in sports beverages and nutrition bars. Neobee MCTs are metabolized in the body in one-eighth the time of longer chain fats, providing a more readily available source of energy. They contain no trans fatty acids and impart a creamy mouthfeel and neutral flavor. Normally offered as a colorless, odorless, low-viscosity liquid, Neobee 1053 is also now available as a free-flowing powder for use in beverages. — Stepan Co. Food & Health Specialties, 100 West Hunter Ave., Maywood, N.J. 07607; 201/712-7642; www.stepan.com.

Treatt USA offers Banana Treattarome 9735 FTNF (From The Name Food) distillates, which are wholly distilled from fresh bananas and provide an authentic, creamy taste and fruity aroma to food, drink and cosmetic applications. At 0.15 percent, an intense banana character predominates, while at levels 0.05 percent or less, the distillate offers fresh floral notes. Phenolics including eugenol and elimicin provide spicy and smoky nuances. Banana Treattatome 9735 is water soluble with a clear appearance and can be used in clear and alcohol-based beverages as well as juices and dairy products. — Treatt USA Inc., 4900 Lakeland Commerce Parkway, Lakeland, Fla. 33805; 863/668-9500; www.treatt.com.