The European Commission

The European Commission has granted novel foods approval for the fruit pulp of the African baobab tree. PhytoTrade Africa, a trade organization that promotes fair and ethical trade, and represents rural southern African producers, brought the application forward in 2006 and predicts a surge in demand for the ingredient, which has “high” vitamin C and natural fiber content. It is also an “excellent source” of calcium and iron. PhytoTrade Africa will be focusing resources on supporting the supply chain and production capacity to meet European industry demand.