Coke develops blood thinning product

Coca-Cola is developing a product containing Fruitflow: a tomato extract that is claimed to reduce the risk of blood clots, which can trigger heart attacks and strokes.

Fruitflow has an advantage over many other 'functional' ingredients in that it has secured a coveted positive opinion from the European Food Safety Authority for its health claims.

Provexis, the firm behind Fruitflow, said: "We continue to explore with Coca-Cola the development of a product for one of its major markets."

It was also in discussions with a "major dairy brand owner" about using Fruitflow in other products after a tie-up with Unilever on spreads ground to a halt, said the firm. "A re-prioritisation of Unilever's innovation pipeline, together with our own initiatives in mini-drinks, has resulted in collaborative work being halted."

Finally, it is also in talks with a global ingredients manufacturer over licensing rights for Fruitflow in food, drink and dietary supplement applications.