Suanfarma USA Reinforces Commitment to Fair Trade, Organic Ingredients

Suanfarma USA has expanded its commitment to develop and market sustainable botanical ingredients for the U.S. market. The company has attained USDA Organic and Fair for Life (FFL) certifications at its New Jersey site and for the new facility in Utah to serve the high demand from customers on the West Coast. With these two locations, Suanfarma USA can more efficiently cover market demand, the company said, explaining that the new facility, with a 165,000 SF of storage and 30,000 SF of refrigerated storage, has the systems necessary to uphold the quality of FFL and organic-certified ingredients.

DolCas Biotech Obtains Non-GMO Project Verified Label for MMP-5

DolCas Biotech, LLC obtains its first Non-GMO Project-verified label for MMP-50, a cold-processed, DNA-verified, and clinically researched New Zealand green lipped mussel extract for human and pet health. MMP-50 is one of seven clinically researched ingredients in the innovative company’s portfolio, and while MMP-50 is the first to receive the backing of the prestigious certification, CEO and founder, K. G. Rao affirms the company’s plans to pursue the certification across its portfolio.

Vitaquest Acquires Facility from Pharmachem, a Division of Ashland

Vitaquest International has acquired the New Jersey-based powder processing facility from Pharmachem Laboratories, a division of Ashland Inc. According to the announcement, the facility has been recognized as an industry-leading developer and manufacturer of specialty granulated bulk ingredients since 1978. The acquisition enables Vitaquest to provide application-specific product development, pilot and commercial manufacturing solutions using fluid bed technology for granulation, agglomeration, microencapsulation, drying & blending of liquid and powder ingredients. The company explained that, branded as VQ Technologies, this capability will support Vitaquest's activities in helping its customers develop, manufacture, and commercialize a broad range of consumer products for nutraceuticals, functional foods & beverages markets. The newly acquired facility will operate under the same quality programs as Vitaquest’s three existing facilities in New Jersey. 

Patrick Brueggman, President and CEO of Vitaquest, said integrating this technology and manufacturing capability into the overall Vitaquest International will be a great benefit to the company’s customers. “Powder and particle engineering are important parts of creating the highest quality, most effective products and have long been a part of our manufacturing mix. Most companies in our industry outsource this highly specialized capability,” he said. “Bringing this capability in-house, builds on our TotalQ commitment to quality, gives us the ability to broaden our product offerings, and helps our customers get to market faster.  This is an important step for us, and we feel like it sets us apart from other companies in our industry.” 

Vitafoods Europe Announces Relocation for 2025

Informa Markets announced that Vitafoods Europe will move to its new home of Barcelona in 2025, after 26 years in Geneva. The decision comes after extensive visitor and exhibitor feedback, as well as growth plans. With the global nutraceuticals market expected to grow at a significant CAGR of 9.3% by 2030, the move will allow the event to grow in line with market potential, welcoming more visitors and exhibitors and creating more business opportunities for companies that attend, Informa said. Vitafoods Europe 2025 will be held May 20-22, 2025 at Fira Barcelona. Additional details on event features, content and sponsors to be announced next year.

EU Commission Modifies Regulation for Labeling Oleoresin

The Natural Algae Astaxanthin Association (NAXA) shared the news that the EU Commission has issued a new regulation amending Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/2470 as regards the conditions of use of the novel food "astaxanthin-rich oleoresin from Haematococcus pluvialis algae." This modification follows a dossier that was developed with the support of the French consulting firm Orchidali, and submitted on behalf of NAXA members to the European Commission on December 15, 2022. The submission requested that the Commission extend the use to two age groups, based on safe dosages calculated from the acceptable daily intake (ADI) of astaxanthin. Previous labeling requirements implemented by the Commission mandated a statement that food supplements containing astaxanthin-rich oleoresin from Haematococcus pluvialis algae “should not be consumed by infants, children, and adolescents younger than 14 years.”

Daiya Launches World’s First "Pizza Pyramid Scheme"

Daiya launched a "pyramid scheme" with a reward of free pizza. Popular foodie, comedy, and recipe content creators Joseph Calcavecchia (@the_roamingfoodie), Joey Dardano (@joeydardano), and Cari Garcia (@fatgirlhedonist) kicked off the recruitment process by each bringing three friends into the "scheme." Others who want to get involved can email givemefreepizza@daiyafoods.com with their name and address to be sent coupons for two free pizzas, as well as a unique recruitment code to bring three friends into the scheme. 

Registration Open for GOED Exchange 2024 Event

GOED has opened registration for the 2024 GOED Exchange event. This biennial conference is the premier event for the omega-3 industry and promises to bring together executives throughout the global supply chain for three days of education, networking and in-depth conversations about the omega-3 market. This year’s theme is Collaborating Today for the Solutions of Tomorrow. The GOED Exchange event has historically been a venue for collaboration among key executives in the omega-3 space and the upcoming conference is more important than ever so we can discuss issues and brainstorm solutions together. Also, as an incentive for those who are planning to attend the event in-person we are holding a drawing for the first 100 registrants. Prize will be three nights hotel at the host hotel, Grand Hyatt Athens (a €540/$579 value). To register, visit goed-exchange.com.

Mack Flavors Comments on Beverage Industry

Merzi Amaria, President of Mack Flavor Ingredients, shared news of innovation in the beverage industry in an article published by  Food & Beverage Insider. “We developed an all-natural bitterness suppressor that works well to suppress bitter notes prevalent in energy drinks,” Amaria said. “The beverages can then be flavored providing the desired profile intended, making them more palatable. The caffeine and other potent energy promoting ingredients are merely masked; the potency of these ingredients is not reduced or eliminated. Since berry-based energy beverages are growing in popularity among formulators, Mack Flavor Ingredients also began working on the development of the first ever beverage products utilizing various prebiotic berry powders and juice concentrates from Denmark-based Asiros Nordic. This low-calorie product is utilized in conjunction with our flavors to provide formulators with the ability to develop a ‘no added sugar claim’ berry product.”

Nordic Naturals Expands Retail Presence 

Nordic Naturals announced a new partnership that will bring its Ultimate Omega and Algae Omega supplements to Sam’s Club stores nationwide, starting in October. The company says this collaboration marks a significant stride in its vision of making high-quality omega-3 supplements more accessible and affordable to a wider range of individuals, and supporting their journey toward optimal health.

Cattaneo Bros. Acquires Bob Tallman’s Beef Jerky

Family-owned Cattaneo Bros., which has been producing handcrafted meat snacks for 75 years, announced its acquisition of Bob Tallman’s Authentic Cowboy Beef Jerky (formerly Bobby T’s Beef Jerky). A 5th generation rancher and Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame announcer, Tallman’s jerky lineup features bold, Texas-inspired varieties that include Sweet Smoked, Peppered Hickory, Sagrado Hatch Chile, and Brown Sugar BBQ.