Benemilk patents granted first in South Africa

Raisio plc, Stock exchange release 2 September 2015

BENEMILK PATENTS GRANTED FIRST IN SOUTH AFRICA 

Three initial Benemilk patents have been granted in South Africa. They are the world’s first patents granted for Benemilk. In other countries, processes related to Benemilk patent applications are still pending. The patent process in South Africa is a separate process compared to the processes in other countries, so the patents granted there do not indicate the outcome of the patent processes elsewhere.

The patents concern cattle feed as well as concentrates and supplements with a lot of saturated fatty acids. These fatty acids enable the improvement of feed efficiency. Fatty acids of the Benemilk feeds are useful in the milk production as milk yield increases and milk contents improve. The patent protection also applies to the milk produced by Benemilk-fed cows.

In all, the Benemilk Ltd's portfolio includes almost 30 patent applications, which makes it one of the strongest patent portfolios for cattle feeds in the world. Significant development work has been done this year to expand and strengthen the IPR related to Benemilk.

RAISIO PLC

Heidi Hirvonen
Communications and IR Manager
Tel. +358 50 567 3060

Further information: CEO Matti Rihko, tel. +358 400 830 727

Raisio plc

Raisio plc is an international specialist in plant-based nutrition. Raisio’s operations are divided into two divisions: Brands and Raisioagro. The Group’s key market areas are Finland, Great Britain, the Czech Republic, Russia and Poland. Markets for cholesterol lowering Benecol products are global. Raisio plc’s shares are listed on NASDAQ OMX Helsinki Ltd. Raisio’s turnover in 2014 was EUR 494 million. The Group employs some 1,800 people. Raisio’s best-known brands are Benecol, Benemilk, Elovena Honey Monster, Fox’s and Poppets. Benemilk feeds for milk production and Benecol for cholesterol lowering are Raisio’s top innovations. For more information on Raisio go to www.raisio.com/en

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