Unilever Kenya Category Manager – Spreads Elizabeth Chweya (left) with Njeri Wangari together with Unilever Head of Foods Lillian Mackenzie at the launch.
Unilever East Africa has unveiled the new Blue Band spread with Omega 3 and Omega 6 to improve nutrition in Kenya. According to the Ministry of Health, nutrition related illnesses affect more than 25 per cent of children below the age of five years in Kenya.
On top of the seven vitamins currently included in Blue Band, a healthier type of fat extracted from locally grown Kenyan Rape Seed has been added which include Omega 3 and Omega 6 fats. These are of particular benefit to children by contributing to healthy growth and development of the body.
Speaking at the launch, Unilever CEO for East Africa, Marc Engel highlighted the company’s commitment to boosting nutrition by helping more than one billion people worldwide take action to improve their health and well-being by the year 2020.
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“Blue Band, which has been loved for its great taste since the 1950’s, is now the only spread in East Africa with Omega 3 and 6 which are important for the growth and development of children,” he said. “With these essential nutrients, also known as good fats, Blue Band will now ensure a healthy, nutritious and tasty breakfast when used with bread or uji.”
World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendations on dietary intake of fats stipulate that for children above two years, 25-35% of daily kilocalories should come from good fats.
Ms Dorothy Murugu, Unilever Nutrition Manager for East Africa said in a balanced diet, a child should get up to 10% of daily energy from essential fats i.e. Omega 3 & 6. “This is why Blue band has now added the essential fats in its new innovation to ensure that children and families consistently enjoy nutrient rich meals,” she said.
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