Consumers in Spain can now join their European neighbours in Belgium and Switzerland in enjoying a range of food products endorsed by the Beneo programme. Launched over two years ago by Belgian ingredients company Orafti the programme brings together prebiotic ingredients and innovative food products under the same symbol.

The programme represents one of those rare occasions which sees an ingredients company reaching directly out to the consumer. And the key medium for doing this is to work hand in hand with the food manufacturer. Products manufactured using Orafti prebiotics - Raftiline (inulin) and Raftilose (oligofructose) produced from chicory root - are flagged up with the Beneo symbol on the packaging. In effect, the symbol embodies the claim that the products contain enough prebiotic ingredients to have a beneficial effect on the digestive system and the intestinal microflora.

According to Orafti , a consumer press campaign in Spain, reinforced by the Beneo symbol on the packaging, will meet the need to increase consumer awareness, clearly key to the programme's success.

"The Beneo programme provides a platform from which the benefits of prebiotics and a healthy digestive system can be discussed and we are certain that Beneo will capture the interest of consumers in Spain," said Tim Van der Schraelen, Beneo manager.

Examples of products the Spanish shopper might see on the supermarket shelf include bread, yoghurts, biscuit, and dietary foods.