LESS than a month after the launch of the revolutionary low glycemic index (GI) sugar, one of the founding scientists is no longer with the company that developed the product.
Dr David Kannar, former chief scientific officer with Melbourne-based research and development company, Horizon Science, the company responsible for launching LoGiCane on March 16, has parted ways with his former employer under clouded circumstances.
A reader comment received by the North Queensland Register website in relation to the low GI sugar story suggested Mr Kannar was pushed from his position.
The comment, posted by "Gino", read: "How bizarre is this - just heard that one of the scientists that developed this low GI sugar was fired on the spot this week, just 2 weeks after launching it. Apparently he's now taking the company to court for unfair dismissal. Conspiracy theories?"
A statement from Horizon Science, via a public relations company, confirmed that Dr Kannar was no longer working for the company.
"Horizon Science can confirm Dr David Kannar, chief scientific officer, has departed the company," the statement said.
"We would like to thank Dr Kannar for his contribution and wish him every success in his future endeavours.
"Horizon Science continues to focus on the development of innovative products in the sugar category and the ongoing success of its recently released LoGiCane product."
Dr Kannar’s profile has been removed from the Horizon Science website under the management team link.
Dr Kannar could not be contacted for a statement.
LoGiCane is produced from sugar cane grown in Mossman, Far North Queensland, and milled at the Mossman Central Mill.
The sugar has the same taste and texture as regular white sugar, but a significantly lower GI.
LoGiCane was released to much fanfare in March, with Federal Minister for Agriculture Tony Burke officially launching the product in Canberra.
Mr Burke made reference to the product in his address to the Canegrowers organisation conference in Townsville recently, saying it was an example of diversification and value-adding.
The product took three years worth of research and development by Dr Kannar in association with Dr Barry Kitchen, with funding of $5.4 million dollars provided by the Australian Federal Government, grants from Queensland State Government, plus additional investment from venture capitalists Inventages LLC and BioPacific Ventures.
LoGiCane is currently marketed by Sugar Australia, as part of CSR's Better for You range.
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