#NutraNews - Episode 5
Welcome to the fifth episode of NutraNews. I'm excited to bring you the latest updates and insights from the nutraceutical industry. In this edition, I'll be discussing the recent mergers and acquisitions that have been taking place in the sector, as well as the growing demand for vegan supplements. I'll also be featuring our SME of the Week, a company that is making a difference in the industry through innovation and dedication to quality. Join me as we dive into the latest news and trends shaping the future of the nutraceutical industry.
The Growing Demand for Vegan Supplements.
There is a growing demand for vegan supplements across the world, and the popularity of softgels within the nutraceutical sector. Softgels, however, present many manufacturing challenges such as ensuring stability and potency.
IFF ’s Verdigel SC is a ready-to-use pectin-based premix the allows manufacturers to produce a high performance softgel by adding water and a plasticizer. The vegan soft capsule provides the same level of processability and stability without compromising the performance and quality. IFF will be showcasing the product at VitaFoods in Geneva next month.
If you are interested in purchasing vegan nutraceutical supplements, some great companies to check out include:
Garden of Life : Offers a wide range of vegan nutraceutical supplements that are non-GMO, gluten-free, and organic.
Deva Vegan Vitamins: Specializes in producing vegan supplements such as multivitamins, probiotics, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Sunwarrior : Produces plant-based protein powders, vitamins, and minerals using organic and non-GMO ingredients.
Amazing Grass: Specializes in producing plant-based supplements such as superfood powders, green drinks, and detox supplements.
Source Naturals: Offers a wide range of vegan supplements such as multivitamins, probiotics, and herbal extracts.
M&A News
DSM are looking to grow their health and nutrition capabilities as the enter negotiations to purchase Adare Biome from its parent company Adare Pharma Solutions . The deal is expected to be around €275M.
This move that is set to bring some of Adare Biome signature postbiotic products to DSM's growing gut health and digestive health segments. According to DSM, this acquisition is a perfect fit, as Adare Biome has pioneering science that complements each of DSM's three businesses - food and beverage, health, nutrition and care, and animal nutrition and health. This merger will allow DSM to expand its offerings to include postbiotic products such as Lactéol, which is known to relieve upset stomachs and aid digestion. Unlike probiotics, which are live bacteria, postbiotics are inanimate microorganisms or the cellular and metabolites and components of microorganisms that are able to confer health benefits. Scientific evidence has shown that postbiotics have a longer shelf life and health benefits comparable to probiotics, which could allow for a wider range of applications. Adare Biome's Lactéol ingredient could also be included in animal feed, making it an attractive option for DSM's animal nutrition solutions.
Tom Sellig , CEO of Adare Pharma Solutions , believes that DSM has the infrastructure, strong commercialization, and science capabilities to scale their significant scientific research achieved over the years. DSM further states that this acquisition will allow it to develop the applicability of the B2B ingredient for medical nutrition, early life nutrition, dietary supplements, and nutritional improvements for malnourishment. The impending purchase will also help DSM establish itself as a frontrunner in the growing pet and animal nutrition market for microbiome management.
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According to Innova Market Insights, digestive health claims in supplements and sports nutrition launches experienced a 32% year-over-year growth globally from 2020 to 2021. This trend highlights the potential for postbiotics and other gut health products to experience significant growth in the coming years. The Adare Biome team will greatly help in accelerating DSM's 'health from the gut' strategy, as there is considerable untapped potential for next-generation biotics to support the health of people and animals.
This acquisition follows DSM's merger with the world's largest privately-owned flavor and fragrance company, Firmenich. The combined company, DSM-Firmenich, debuted on Euronext Amsterdam yesterday.
It's been a great journey for DSM and I can't wait to find out more as Philip Eykerman , the President of Human Nutrition and Health, continues to guide them.
An exciting mention this week as we give recognition to Ayana Bio. They are a plant cell technology company that has launched the "first-ever" plant cell-cultivated lemon balm and echinacea. The process yields products with the same bioactive composition of conventionally grown botanicals and can directly replace their counterparts in food supplements for sleep, mood, and immune support.
Ayana Bio uses plant cell cultivation technology to produce plant materials without growing plants. In an interview with Nutrition Insight, the CEO Frank Jaksch said that the process "starts by identifying the best plant cell lines – just like traditional plant breeding. These plant cells are propagated from real plants (similar to stem cells) and assessed throughout the cell cultivation process for important characteristics like bioactive potency, stability, and purity." Ayana Bio can generate plant biomass without the actual plant by supplying carbon sources, vitamins, minerals, and oxygen to the cells. The plant cells are cultured for a few weeks until they are fully propagated and can then be harvested to be used as an ingredient in health and wellness products.
The plant cell-derived ingredients created by Ayana Bio are certified through DNA fingerprinting and are labeled as clean. These ingredients consist of a standardized phytocomplex, which is a blend of both active and inactive plant molecules. They have a neutral taste and color, are fully traceable, and have improved bioavailability. Additionally, they can be customized to include higher levels of bioactives.
I am excited to find out more about Ayana Bio and watching them grow. It will be interesting to see how the plant cell-cultivated space continues to grow and the innovation that comes.
Are you looking to add headcount to your team in 2023? Reach out now to set up an introductory call.
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