The ingredient innovator BENEO has found a way to incorporate body fragrance into a tasty candy that works from the inside out. The concept was developed as part of BENEO's R&D efforts to assist candy manufacturers in using healthy, alternative and innovative food ingredients to break new ground in confectionery markets worldwide.

BENEO teamed up with Alpi, a confectionery company from Bulgaria, who has become the first manufacturer in Europe to bring this scent-sational concept to market, with a rose-based candy called Deo. Eating Deo means you'll enjoy a sweet treat now and afterwards, an attractive rose fragrance will be released through the skin.

So how does it work? It's all thanks to the ingredient geraniol, a colorless liquid found in plants such as rose, lavender and vanilla. Once geraniol - a natural antioxidant- is consumed in candy form, it leaves the body through the pores, creating a naturally sweet smell that can last for hours. The effect is very similar to the familiar way a pungent ingredient such as garlic transmits odor through the skin. In the case of garlic, strong-smelling sulfur compounds form Allyl Methyl Sulfide, which cannot be digested and is instead excreted through the pores.

Body scent is not the only innovative thing that there is to like about Deo. It's also made with BENEO's natural sugar replacer ISOMALT. Thanks to ISOMALT, Deo is sugar free, low in calories and low glycemic, meaning that it does not contribute to elevated blood sugar levels. Because ISOMALT dissolves slowly, there is a prolonged enjoyment of subtle rose flavor in the mouth -- in addition to an even longer-lasting fragrance effect on the body.

According to the practice of aromatherapy, the scent of rose is said to be romantic and uplifting. Add tasty to the mix and Deo's innovative concept is sure to stimulate the senses.

The BENEO product portfolio consists of functional ingredients with nutritional and technical advantages. Through a unique chain of expertise, including the BENEO-Institute, BENEO actively supports the development of more balanced and healthy food products. BENEO is a division of the Sudzucker Group with production units in Belgium, Chile, Germany and Italy. www.BENEO.com