Dow AgroSciences Launches Omega-9 Oils Ingredient Solutions to Help Food Manufacturers Produce Healthier Products

New solutions improve health profile of products without compromising quality or performance

CHICAGO - July 18, 2010

Dow AgroSciences today announced the launch of Omega-9 Oils Ingredient Solutions, a new offering designed to address the need for healthier ingredients in baked goods, snacks and packaged foods. Derived from the same Omega-9 Canola Oil used by the foodservice industry, Omega-9 Oils Ingredient Solutions are customized oil, spray oil and shortening applications developed by the Omega-9 Solutions Team for the packaged food industry.

Omega-9 Oils Ingredient Solutions are ideal for food manufacturers looking to eliminate trans fat and reduce saturated fat without compromising food quality, functionality or performance. The Omega-9 Solutions Team provides application development and analytical support, including nutrition analyses and sophisticated equipment for chemical analyses, to assist manufacturers in developing the right product formulations.

Research shows consumers are increasingly aware of good and bad fats and are seeking healthier choices at the grocery store. According to a recent study by the International Food Information Council (IFIC), more Americans (69 percent) are concerned about the types of fat they consume than are concerned with the amount of fat they eat (67 percent). Omega-9 Oils Ingredient Solutions can improve nutrition panels by reducing the "bad fats" (and increasing the "good fats") to help products achieve the following nutrition label statements:

• Zero trans fat
• Low (or significant reduction in) saturated fat
• High heart-healthy monounsaturated (omega-9) fat

"We believe that quality and progress shouldn't require a compromise. Omega-9 Oils Ingredient Solutions can enhance the healthfulness of packaged foods, while preserving the key functional qualities of food products," said David Dzisiak, Commercial Leader Oils for Dow AgroSciences. "Through extensive product formulation research and development, our Omega-9 Solutions Team works to ensure our customized solutions help companies improve the health profile of a product, without changing the key attributes their customers expect from their favorite food."

Omega-9 Oils Ingredient Solutions, such as Omega-9 shortening, maintain the important functional product qualities, including flavor, shelf life, texture and mouthfeel. Because Omega-9 shortening is naturally stable, it can provide equal or longer shelf life to products containing traditional, high saturated fat shortenings. This is achieved without the use of antioxidants, preserving a cleaner product label that consumers demand.

Heart-Healthier Popcorn That Maintains 'Flavor First'
Omega-9 Oils Ingredient Solutions' first partner in the food manufacturing sector is Weaver Popcorn Company, Inc., an 80-year-old family-owned business based in Noblesville, Ind., that has provided America with one of its all-time favorite snacks – popcorn. Weaver Popcorn Company produces more than 30 percent of the world's popcorn. The Omega-9 Solutions Team provided application development, analytical support and commercial expertise to the Weaver team to help them develop the right product formulation for the Pop Weaver^® brand of microwave popcorn. This new formulation entirely replaced the company's existing product line and is among the healthiest microwave popcorn on the market with the same rich, buttery flavor Pop Weaver customers love.

"We believe in 'Flavor First,' so delivering the rich, buttery taste Pop Weaver is known for was a critical benchmark during product development," said Mike Weaver, president and CEO of Weaver Popcorn Company. "Popcorn itself is a naturally healthy whole grain snack and through our collaboration with the Omega-9 Solutions Team, we found a way to deliver the great buttery taste our consumers crave in a healthier manner."

By shifting to Omega-9 Canola Oil, Pop Weaver increased the amount of "good fats"– monounsaturated (MUFAs) and polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs), which have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes – while decreasing the amount of "bad fats" – saturated and trans fat. The new Pop Weaver microwave popcorn has more than a 50 percent reduction in total fat, including 60 percent less saturated fat.

"Other popcorn manufacturers were removing trans fats by using industry standard palm oil or coconut oil, both of which dramatically increase saturated or 'bad' fats," said Mr. Dzisiak. "Our Omega-9 Solutions Team helped Pop Weaver develop a smarter solution – one that maintained their signature taste while improving the health profile of the snack."

The Omega-9 Solutions Team of food scientists and marketing specialists understands that the oil and shortening needs of each manufacturer are often unique, with specific application requirements. To meet this need, the Omega-9 Solutions Team has the resources and technology available, and the technical and product formulation expertise, to provide the best solution for food manufacturers.

For more information about Omega-9 Oils Ingredient Solutions, please visit www.Omega9Oils.com or call 800-678-2388.

About Dow AgroSciences
Dow AgroSciences LLC, based in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, is a top-tier agricultural company providing innovative agrochemical and biotechnology solutions globally. The company, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Company, has sales of $4.5 billion. Learn more at www.dowagro.com.