Lotte Confectionery Co. said Monday that it has acquired the U.S. patent for its technology in extracting polyphenol from cacao.

A Lotte official said... Polyphenol is known to be effective in preventing cavities and protecting the stomach lining. He said that the country depended mostly on imports.

He said his company has the technology that can be applied directly to making snacks, drinks and health supplements at this stage.

The company added that it is also working with a U.S. beverage company to develop a functional drink made with polyphenol.