Venchi Innovation Day 2021

Milan, 23rd September 2021

Venchi presents the latest research and innovation achievements with its scientific partners.

In its ongoing pursuit of healthy yet delicious treats for chocolate lovers throughout the world, Venchi has developed a new recipe which, thanks to the use of a vegetable fibre derived from chicory, makes it possible to reduce the sugar content of its chocolate by 70%.

This particular fibre, high in FOS (fructooligosaccharides), can be found in various plants. By carefully selecting and processing the raw ingredients in a special way, Venchi can now use this fibre in its chocolate recipes. By using this, instead of classic sweeteners, and specially selected cocoa mass that is already naturally sweet, the products are tastier, healthier and more authentic. FOS has a low glycaemic index, limiting sugars and supporting the normal development of intestinal flora. The use of FOS as a functional ingredient embraces the philosophy of 'with' rather than 'without', while maintaining that delicious flavour essential for satisfying the taste buds.

?Limiting the use of sugars and sweeteners is considerably beneficial for our health, and not only in terms of losing weight", said Lorenzo Bergami, sports nutritionist and ISSN (International Society of Sport Nutrition) member. "Using vegetable fibres instead of sugars is an extraordinarily innovative idea, as well as being healthy.

Venchi's new 70%-less range includes bars and chocolates for all tastes: from dark to milk chocolate, hazelnut to Cremino, and Gianduiotto to extra-dark treats. The aim is to offer people who want to keep their daily sugar intake under control a way to enjoy delicious treats that they can choose from a range of wholesome, natural and well-balanced options.

?The in-depth research that Venchi carries out in order to create increasingly healthy and satisfying products for its customers spans several fields and is done alongside renowned and distinguished partners.

?A study commissioned by the Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome recently confirmed scientifically that the short-term consumption of snacks with higher amounts of monounsaturated fats, which are more abundant in olive oil, and lower levels of saturated fats, which are more abundant in palm oil, could positively influence insulin-sensitivity parameters in the blood.

This confirms that Venchi has—for many years—been making the right decisions, using increasingly healthy, simple and authentic ingredients to create its products.

"Scientific research has clearly demonstrated that consuming extra virgin olive oil, which is rich in monounsaturated fats, provides protection against metabolic and cardiovascular diseases",?explains Professor Silvia Manfrini.?

"The study carried out into Venchi's chocolate spread confirms that the presence of extra virgin olive oil could positively influence insulin-resistance parameters in the blood and further reinforces the known health benefits of extra virgin olive oil?," continues Dr Dario Tuccinardi.

The research does not end there: at Venchi's request, SAES Coated Films is finalising a new type of innovative packaging that, as well as being recyclable, will ensure that the flavours and aromas of the chocolate will be properly preserved throughout its entire shelf life.

To achieve this, natural antioxidant compositions are applied to the surface of the packaging using innovative water-based technologies that delay the oxidisation of unsaturated fats contained in the food product.

"Today, the solutions used for most food packaging make it difficult to recycle and dispose of because the packaging itself has several layers of different materials. Together with Venchi, we're creating a new kind of packaging that is active, sustainable and fully recyclable", says Jiabril Gigli, General Manager of SAES Coated Films.?

"We're very pleased", says Cécile de Verdelhan Osti, Managing Director of Venchi, "it's not about individual results. It's about the way we understand the product and how we view consumers. We always want to give our customers the best in terms of quality, authenticity and taste, and this requires ongoing research. It's what sets us apart and is the reason for our success."

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