Benecol products 15 years in the markets - From Finnish innovation into a global product family of functional foods Cholesterol-lowering Benecol® products have already been 15 years in the markets. Benecol margarine, globally the first food actively lowering cholesterol, was launched in Finland on 16 November 1995. Today, Benecol is an internationally known and recognised product family of cholesterol-lowering foods. Millions of people on five continents and in over thirty countries use Benecol products daily to lower their cholesterol. “Benecol is a pioneer in cholesterol-lowering functional foods, and it has created a completely new global product category. We developed the first product in the world that actively lowers cholesterol. In 2003, we were the first company world-wide to launch highly popular cholesterol-lowering yoghurt drinks,” says Mikko Laavainen, Commerdial Director of Raisio's Benecol business. “Consumption of Benecol products has increased during the economic recession showing that people want to take care of their health and well-being also in bad times by using reliable products.” Benecol products are based on the innovation of the researchers of Raisio and University of Helsinki. They discovered the cholesterol-lowering effect of plant stanol ester, and developed a way to use it in food processing. Plant stanol ester is a plant-based ingredient whose sufficient daily use significantly reduces the absorption of cholesterol from the digestive tract, and thus effectively lowers blood total and the “bad” LDL cholesterol. Raisio continues the active research work of plant stanol ester in cooperation with universities both in Finland and abroad. “As a proof of extremely strong research evidence, plant stanol ester has been approved as part of several international and national care guidelines aiming to decrease cardiovascular risks. Benecol also obtained a permission to use the EU Commission's strong health claim in its marketing,” says Ingmar Wester, Research and Development Director of Raisio's Benecol business. Benecol is one of the world leaders in cholesterol-lowering foods. Benecol is a global trademark owned by Raisio, and plant stanol ester is an ingredient patented worldwide by Raisio. Only Benecol® products contain plant stanol ester. Benecol products are sold and marketed by Raisio's wide network of partners. The most popular Benecol products include yoghurt drinks, margarine-type spreads, yoghurts and other products made especially for local markets. RAISIO PLC Heidi Hirvonen Communications Manager tel. + 358 50 567 3060 Further information: Mikko Laavainen, Benecol Division, Commercial Director, tel. +358 40 576 8348. Ingmar Wester, Benecol Division, R&D Director, tel. +358 50 601 32 Susanna Rosin, Benecol Division, Nutrition Manager , tel. +358 400 878 637