Smart for Life Acquires Purely Optimal Nutrition
Smart for Life, Inc. announced its definitive agreement to acquire eCommerce nutraceuticals company, Purely Optimal Nutrition. In a corporate video, Smart for Life CEO, Darren Minton, discussed the strategy behind the investment: “This acquisition is not only expected to extend our offering to include Purely Optimal’s product line, which includes dozens of high-quality supplements, but will enable us to achieve additional economies of scale through our existing operations. Purely Optimal is currently generating estimated revenue in excess of $8 million and over $1 million of Adjusted EBITDA for the trailing 12 months. We look forward to making further announcements regarding our M&A initiatives in 2024 and beyond.”
The Smart for Life company is involved with the development, marketing, manufacturing, purchase, operation and sale of nutritional and related products that focus on Health & Wellness. This latest acquisition is part of a larger Buy-and-Build strategy with serial accretive acquisitions and is anticipated to close within eight weeks subject to financing and customary closing conditions.
Bioglan Muscle Protect Wins Product of the Year
The Consumer Survey of Product Innovation, a consumer-voted award for product innovation, has named Bioglan Muscle Protect Australia's Product of the Year for Wellbeing Support. Bioglan, a PharmaCare Laboratories brand, is focused on bringing new formulations and science-backed ingredients to market. Bioglan Muscle Protect contains myHMB+D3, a TSI patented ingredient shown to synergistically promote muscle health. “Retailers are loving this product. Likewise, consumers are saying they’ve loved myHMB for years but had to buy it from overseas. They are excited that it is now available here in Australia," said Alex Porm, Senior Brand Manager - Bioglan at PharmaCare Laboratories.
SIRIO Launches Personalized Women's Health Platform
Nutraceutical contract development and manufacturing organization, SIRIO Pharma (SIRIO), is debuting a women's health platform at this year's Vitafoods Europe event in Geneva. The 25 ready-to-launch formulation portfolio will be personalized to female health needs and life stages with products ranging from puberty to post menopause. "Women’s health focused on individual life stage is the big trend of 2024. Our team researched this early to undertake all the complex formulation options, science and segmenting of product types. Essentially, we have done the hard work so that our nutraceutical brand partners can launch more quickly to market with first-in-class products,” commented Sara Lesina, General Manager Sirio Europe & Americas.
Coco5 Partners with Coaches vs Cancer & The American Cancer Society
Functional beverage brand, Coco5, has joined forces with Coaches vs Cancer and The American Cancer Society to launch the Fuel The Fight Initiative, an innovative multi-year project aimed at raising awareness for cancer screening, raising funds, and providing resources for traditionally underserved communities.
The black athlete owned company was founded by Devin Booker, D'Angelo Russell, Charles Barley, Derrick Rose, and Michael Wilbon with a mission of creating a healthy future for all. Through its new partnership, Coco5 will look to provide crucial funding for innovative cancer research and free 24/7 support for cancer patients as well as increasing the cancer screening and early detection numbers of Black and Hispanic communities through storytelling, athlete engagement, and social sports gatherings like coaching camps and sporting tournaments. “A lot of people are affected by cancer," said NBA All-Star D'Angelo Russell. "If we can bring awareness and another light of positive influence to the cause I’m two feet in on it."
Safety Shot Aligns with Nelk Boys
Safety Shot, Inc. has signed the Nelk Boys as brand ambassadors. The Nelk boys, an entertainment and retail company, own YouTube channels under their NELK and Full Send brands featuring prank videos with celebrity guests including Elon Musk, Donald Trump, and Mike Tyson. With their trademarked term "FULL SEND" which they describe to mean "any activity you do, give it your absolute best" the Nelk Boys have generated more than 1.6 billion views on YouTube, acquired 4.3 million Instagram followers, and connect with more than 10 million channel subscribers. This following has led to the launch of a podcast, branded products, and strategic brand relationships. “The Nelk Boys, their FULL SEND podcast, and their branded products are a cultural and entertainment sensation. We’re so pleased they’re on board with Safety Shot and look forward to lots of joint product promotions and activities,” said Josh Wagner, Safety Shot CRO.
Kraft Heinz Company Foundation Feeds 13.5 Million People
463 million meals will be provided to people in need courtesy of The Kraft Heinz Company Foundation and its $15 million dollar donation over the next three years to the international nonprofit organization, Rise Against Hunger. With the addition of 36 million Kraft Heinz micronutrient sachets a total of 207 million meals will be distributed globally by Rise Against Hunger. The sachets, created by Kraft Heinz's food science and nutrition experts, will provide 18 essential vitamins and minerals to fortified rice-soy meals.
The two entities have had a decade-long partnership focused on alleviating global hunger and improving access to nutrition. This most recent contribution helps keep the initiative going strong while furthering The Kraft Heinz company mission of providing 1.5 billion meals to those in need by 2025. “Our extended partnership with Rise Against Hunger will help us make great strides toward this ambition. We're incredibly grateful for Rise Against Hunger’s leadership in the fight to end global hunger and humbled to play a part in their efforts,” said Andrea Budelli, President of The Kraft Heinz Company Foundation and Chief R&D Officer of Developed & Emerging Markets at Kraft Heinz.
Felicia Continues Sustainable Manufacturing Practices
Felicia, the Italian based pasta brand and subsidiary of Italian benefit corporation Andriani S.p.A., continues its pursuit of setting standards for innovative earth-friendly manufacturing processes within the food industry. With its recent launch in North America, the brand has upheld its commitment to sustainability through the mindful management of natural resources and sustainable practice processes that:
- Protect native soils and contribute to biodiversity by reducing emissions of greenhouse gasses
- Utilize a photovoltaic system within a trigeneration plant to produce clean and efficient energy to power manufacturing processes
- Adopt a cyclical cultivation process for key ingredients like spirulina
As the need to implement eco-friendly practices continues to rise, companies in the food space will look to brands like Felicia to draw inspiration on how to better implement ecologically sound methods into their current production processes.
