Balchem Announces Expansion of VitaCholine Production Capacity
Balchem announced the expansion of production capacity in the U.S for VitaCholine. The upgrade will increase output by 50% and will allow the company to better meet the increasing demand for this essential nutrient, which is well known in the supplement industry in relation to cognitive health and performance. The capacity expansion was completed in August 2023 and is expected to be fully operational by the end of the year. The main highlights of the project include:
Increased production capacity: Choline production capacity has increased by approximately 50% thanks to the extension of the facility by almost 2,230 sqm, to accommodate state-of-the-art machinery and equipment,
Enhanced technology and quality: The investment included a significant upgrade in technology, such as new heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, alongside packaging automation to ensure better environmental conditions. The new installations will also result in improved air quality and process consistency to optimize the regulation of heat and humidity, for higher-quality solutions.
Environmental and Sustainability Commitment: As part of its sustainability goals and commitment to the United Nations Global Compact, the company has implemented energy-efficient systems and initiatives to reduce water and waste.
Safety: By eliminating manual handling and switching to automated packaging processes, the newly expanded facility boasts enhanced safety in the work environment.
ADM Acquires Revela Foods
ADM is adding to its flavors capabilities with an agreement to acquire Revela Foods. Revela, with projected sales of almost $240 million in 2023, would add new capabilities to ADM’s global flavors portfolio in the $1.8 billion global dairy flavors segment, as well as the $3.2 billion savory flavors segment. Revela's rapid growth is driven by its enzyme technology, which powers a broad range of clean-label dairy flavor formulations for multiple applications, from snacks and frozen meals to sauces, dressings, soups, seasonings and desserts. Revela’s approximately 400 colleagues operate three production facilities in the U.S. Midwest.
NutriLeads Completes Financing for BeniCaros
NutriLeads BV announced that it has raised 4.5 million euros in a Series C investment round to accelerate the commercialization of BeniCaros, the company’s award-winning precision prebiotic fiber for enhancing immune and gut health. The financing was led by existing investor dsm-firmenich Venturing with the support from the other current investors. The funding will support expansion in new consumer markets and geographies, and the creation of a global brand for this innovative food, beverage and dietary supplement ingredient.
“BeniCaros offers health benefits for consumers of all ages,” said Joana Carneiro, Ph.D., NutriLeads Chief Executive Officer. “And this funding will enable us to move into key market regions with strong consumer demand for natural immune and gut health solutions and drive research to substantiate additional differentiating product claims.”
OmegaQuant Awarded SBIR Grant for Dementia Research
OmegaQuant has been awarded a small business innovation research (SBIR) grant to develop a test identifying fatty acid patterns that predicts dementia risk as an early screening tool. The panel that awarded the SBIR grant to OmegaQuant concurred that this project’s significance was high since it would advance a method for predicting impending vs. already established dementia. OmegaQuant and the Fatty Acid Research Institute (FARI) have teamed up to utilize large cohorts where they have access to fatty acid data and dementia outcomes on which they can deploy machine learning to identify the ideal fatty acid profile for predicting dementia risk.
Nutriventia Receives Global Excellence Award
Nutriventia Limited has received the Global Excellence Award, announced Rajat Mittal Shah, Co-founder and Executive Director of Nutriventia. The award was presented by Global Health & Pharma (GHP). Nutriventia received the award for being a Leading Expert in Nutraceutical Product Development in 2023. GHP launched the Global Excellence Awards in 2020, and the award recipients "are hand selected by our very own in-house research team over several months. We search diligently to find those setting the highest standards, making pioneering breakthroughs and creating the most cutting-edge medical solutions; from Health & Pharma Tech innovators to care service providers and everything in between, we seek to showcase outstanding medical, health and pharmaceutical business leaders and companies from across the globe."
Kerry to Acquire Lactase Enzymes Business
Kerry Group shared the news that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire part of the global lactase enzyme business of Chr. Hansen Holding A/S and Novozymes A/S on a carve out basis. This acquisition is subject to European Commission approval of Kerry as a buyer and forms part of the Novozymes and Chr. Hansen merger approval process. The Lactase Enzymes Business which includes NOLA Products, further enhances Kerry’s biotechnology solutions capability following the acquisitions of c-LEcta and Enmex. This acquisition adds enzyme technology which helps create lactose-free and sugar reduced dairy products, while preserving taste.
As You Sow Pesticides Report Released, Ranking Manufacturers
As You Sow released its third "Pesticides in the Pantry" report, ranking 17 major food manufacturing companies on their progress in pesticide reduction and the adoption of regenerative agricultural practices. Compared to As You Sow’s 2021 report, the overall average scores dropped from a 'D' to an 'F' due to continued heavy pesticide use in major food supply chains and a lack of progress in reducing harm to farmworkers, fenceline communities, ecosystems, pollinators, farm resiliency, and climate health. While overall and individual scores were low, General Mills achieved the highest score of 'C.' ADM’s overall grade jumped from an 'F' in 2021 to a 'C-' in 2023 and the company received the highest score for pesticide risk reduction strategies. ADM was also the only company that has effectively banned glyphosate as a pre-harvest desiccant across its supply chain, according to the report. General Mills and Conagra adopted, maintained, or improved their pesticide reduction practices, with Conagra also significantly improving its pesticide risk-reduction strategies from 2021 to 2023. Kellanova, previously Kellogg, lost ground this year as it eliminated its goal of phasing out glyphosate as a pre-harvest desiccant by 2025.
