WHEN an alternative to breastfeeding is necessary or preferred, chances are high that Singaporean mothers will opt for Abbott products such as Similac or Isomil.
Infant nutrition formulas such as these have made Abbott Laboratories, founded in 1888 in the United States, the No. 1 brand among Singapore mothers.
But Abbott, which has been in Singapore for 40 years, does so much more than just keep the baby healthy.
It provides Singaporeans of all ages with a diverse range of nutritional, pharmaceutical and medical products as well as diagnostic tests.
Says Ms Hui Hwa Koh-Minjoot, general manager of Abbott Nutrition International:
"Abbott has long been a pioneer in nutritional and related health-care products that help people live healthier lives.
"In Singapore, we offer a comprehensive range of innovative nutrition solutions that encompasses every stage of life – from ensuring babies have a strong start in life to addressing the nutritional and medical needs of adult patients.
"These include some of the world's most trusted names in paediatric, adult and health living nutritional product brands – Similac, Isomil, PediaSure, Gain, Grow, Ensure, Glucerna, Abound and Prosure, to name a few.
Ms Koh-Minjoot says Abbott's inclusion in the Superbrands list for the second consecutive year is due to two key factors: its nutrition solutions for people of all ages and its engagement with customers.
On the first, she says product innovations offering unique ingredients and nutritional benefits have kept Abbott products at the forefront of nutrition science.
Its role as a trusted partner to patients and families has helped them understand the role of nutrition in achieving a healthy lifestyle.
She adds: "By understanding our customers' needs in Singapore, we are continually developing innovations that are based on combining the sciences of nutrition with advanced formulations and ingredient technologies.
To address customers' busy lifestyles, Abbott introduced an e-business portal as a more convenient way to order its products.
Says Ms Koh-Minjoot: "Our website, www.abbott.com.sg has been a Hitwise No. 1 Award winner since 2005, ranking it among the most frequently visited websites in Singapore."
She stresses that people with medical conditions should consult their doctors before taking any nutrition products.
Abbott's presence in Singapore since 1970, when it made its first investment in Asia, has also been strong and growing.
Says Ms Koh-Minjoot: "We are the industry leader in both paediatric and adult nutrition products in Singapore. Between 2007 and 2008, Abbott doubled the number of employees locally to the current strength of over 600.
"In February 2009, we opened a new $450 million paediatric nutrition manufacturing centre which represents Abbott's largest single investment in Asia and the largest nutrition investment ever.
She says the setting up of a research and development centre for nutrition is also in the pipeline.
On Abbott's Superbrands achievement, Ms Koh-Minjoot says: "We are elated and extremely honoured.
"This motivates us to continue building on our track record to drive new scientific and product developments to meet the ever-changing demands of health care.
"We want to thank our customers and all other stakeholders for making us Singapore mothers' No. 1 choice for nutritional formulas, as well as for holding leading positions in sales and volume in the infant milk, growing-up milk and medical nutrition categories in Singapore."
On recent government initiatives such as providing pro-family incentives and the sharper focus on supporting the ageing population in Singapore, Ms Koh-Minjoot adds: "Abbott is committed to continually meeting the needs of healthy individuals across all ages, as well as those who need specialised nutrition."
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