Nutriset is pleased to introduce Plumpy'Sup™ and Plumpy'Doz™ corn formula. For the same level of quality, and at a lower cost! These new products stem from several years of research on alternative raw materials to peanuts to complete the Plumpy® range of solutions dedicated to the prevention and treatment of acute malnutrition.
Covering more people with a cost-effective product that meets international specifications
Nutriset continually seeks to optimize the cost of its products, while maintaining the same level of quality and safety, to provide the most efficient solutions at the best cost.
By developing a formula based on corn, a raw material now cheaper than peanuts, and by optimizing its industrial tool, Nutriset achieved a lower sales price of € 100 per metric ton for Plumpy'Sup™ corn formula and Plumpy'Doz™ corn formula*, compared to conventional peanut-based formulas. This comes as good news for programs that aim at scaling up their interventions while controlling their budget.
It should be noted that Plumpy'Sup™ and Plumpy'Doz™ corn formula meet the same standards and international specifications as Plumpy'Sup™ and Plumpy'Doz™ (peanut formula). They respond to the technical specifications set by the World Food Program, published in January 2016**. Plumpy'Sup™ and Plumpy'Doz™ corn formula were submitted to the New Foods Committee of the World Food Program and approved on January 24, 2019.
Caring for malnutrition with a product adapted to eating habits
Creating this new formula for Plumpy'Sup™ and Plumpy'Doz™ seemed logical considering that corn is a common grain for hundreds of millions of people around the world***. In the context of acute malnutrition management programs, the use of corn-based supplements can contribute to greater beneficiary acceptance in contexts where corn is a staple food.
Acceptability studies in Kenya and Malawi**** measured children's response to the consumption of Plumpy'Sup™ corn formula in comparison to Plumpy’Sup™ (peanut), and showed that both products have similar, excellent levels of acceptability.
Supporting the development of a sustainable agro-industry by promoting the supply of local corn
The launch of these new products is part of an overall effort to promote the production of nutritional solutions closer to the needs, through the PlumpyField® network. Because corn is widely grown, a local production of Plumpy'Sup™ corn formula and Plumpy'Doz™ corn formula actively contributes to strengthening local agricultural supply chains and supporting smallholders.
More broadly, Nutriset continues its research and development on products based on new plant raw materials (soy, rice, millet, chickpeas ...) to improve the cost-effectiveness of its Plumpy® range and contribute to nutritional autonomy for all.
*In comparison with the price of Plumpy’Sup™ et Plumpy’Doz™ (peanut formula) en mars 2019.
**Plumpy’Doz™ corn formula is conform to the « Lipid-based Nutrient Supplement - Medium Quantity technical specifications 16.0 » (WFP, january 2016). Plumpy’Sup™ corn formula is conform to the « Ready-to-Use Supplementary Food technical specifications 16.0 » (WFP, january2016).
***Corn alone accounts for more than 20% of the total calories in human nutrition in 21 low-income countries and even 30% in 12 countries representing 310 million people dependent on corn for food. (CIMMYT, 2015)
****Malawi, 2018: Study of 40 children aged 12 to 23 months with moderate acute malnutrition and their mothers. Kenya, 2018: Study of 153 children aged 12 to 24 months and their mothers in rural areas of Kajiado at risk of food insecurity. Both studies have shown that these two nutritional supplements have excellent acceptability, similar (not statistically different) for both products.
