Natreon initiatives point to demand growing for Nexera oilseed rape

UK - March 08, 2005

Initiatives in several European countries show that demand for Nexera oilseed rape is set to grow and UK growers are getting set to supply this demand, says Dow AgroSciences.

In the past few weeks initiatives have been announced in Germany and France that are based on Natreon - the special oil produced from Nexera oilseed rape which has high levels of oleic acid and low levels of linolenic acid compared to conventional double low oilseed rape.

In Germany, bottled frying oil based on Natreon has been launched. Produced from organically-grown Nexera seed, the product is cold pressed and put on sale without any further processing. As Natreon has longer stability without the need for hydrogenation, the new German product has good shelf life.

In Denmark, a bottled oil based on Natreon is also about to go on sale.

In France, a major fast food outlet has announced that it has switched to cooking with oil from high oleic acid rape.

"The messages about Natreon being a healthier, more stable alternative to traditional double low oilseed rape is beginning to be taken up by the food markets," says Tim Hancock, Dow AgroSciences manager for Natreon in Europe.

"What's more those launching new Natreon-based products are looking to the UK to supply them.

In Britain, the season for sowing the spring oilseed variety Nexera 160 is rapidly approaching and United Oilseeds, who sell and support the variety in the UK report strong interest.

"The opportunity to be part of a new market is attracting some growers, but so too is the guaranteed minimum premium that we are able to offer," says United Oilseeds Commercial Manager Ian Munnery.

"Since we launched the variety we have seen it as an opportunity to take the lead in Europe in supplying Natreon oil. Our expectations are being rewarded as these initiatives begin to unfold."