Whilst visiting Leisure Industry Week, an exhibition for the B2B leisure industry, I met the Orbana team. As exhibitors at LIW, Orbana were there to speak with potential buyers interested in sports nutrition products. The difficulty for any supplier supplying this market is the stiff competition they face. The sports nutrition industry attracts huge interest and worth millions of pounds so everyone wants a piece of this action.
Heard it all before
I've moved past the stage of asking suppliers too much about their products. Most seem to proclaim their products are 'unique': natural ingredients, all the vitamins, perfect balance of carbs to proteins and so on. I'm looking for their USP (Unique Selling Point)... what makes you stand out from the others?
Product presentation
The first thing that struck me was the way the product presented itself. Unlike other competitive products Orbana came to customers in a bottle as powder ingredients only. Odd you might think. Apparently this helps keep the ingredients 'fresh'. The diluent - usually water - reduces the ingredient's potency and freshness. Another noticeable point is it's a lot lighter (with no fluid dilutent) than your standard product - great if you carry your recovery product with you to use later.
What samples did I use?
After some discussion with Orbana rep, Sharon, I was offered a few samples. In fact I was given a box of sample to try (thanks Sharon). I've used all but one of my Orbana samples during a ride to work. This because a) I try new products outside a race first and b) I plan to report back on by way of a long-term test through a video entry (so I need a sample right?) during part 2 of the report.
And... what's it like?
In terms of taste I can say that it's rather pleasant. Some products tend to use sugar-replacement ingredients which leaves an unpleasant after-taste in your mouth, but Orbana was fine. Also, texture-wise I found it easy to drink (ingest)... almost smooth like. There is no unpleasant phlegm build-up or unwanted stomach discomforts either.
It's too early to report on its efficacy so I hope that in my second report I might offer better insight - whether good old water with Ribena is is-as-good as Orbana (or any sports nutrition drinks for that matter)? I fear not, I'm confident it'll be great, but for me proof comes whilst racing when your body cries out for nutritional help and too when the race is done... those all important first 30mins after.
Part 2 to come...
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