Organic Trade Celebrates World-Wide Organic Month
September is Organic Month and members of the Organic Trade Association (OTA) are celebrating by sharing the creative organic initiatives taking place during the during the month-long campaign. “Organic month is a fantastic opportunity to promote the benefits and importance of organic farming and products, and to celebrate our commitment and dedication to organic. We have a host of activities and outreach planned for our members and for any consumer who wants to support a movement that prioritizes health, environmental sustainability and ethical practices," said OTA Co-CEO Matthew Dillon.
In addition to publishing a newsletter featuring innovative programs its members are participating in to help increase organic production as well as consumers access to organic products, the trade associations' social media campaign will be highlight those initiatives as well and spotlighting members like the organic grains farm in Montana offering first-of-a-kind Community Supported Stewardship Agriculture shares to support organic farm practices. Additionally, the OTA is making its deep library of organic resources, educational guides and promotional toolkits available to the public.
PLT Health Solutions Updates License to Market Joint Support in Canada
The Natural and Non-Prescription Health Products Directorate (NNHPD) of Health Canada provided PLT Health Solutions, Inc. with an updated license to market its AprèsFlex 5-Day Joint Support Ingredient in Canada.
The list of claims approved by Health Canada for AprèsFlex include:
- Provides long-term joint health benefits/support/pain relief in subjects suffering from mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee.
- Helps support improvements to joint comfort, stiffness and function over 6 months in persons with mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee.
- Helps to maintain joint space in subjects suffering from mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee.
- Helps to maintain cartilage in subjects suffering from mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee.
- Helps to maintain cartilage thickness/volume in subjects suffering from mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee.
- Helps to protect (knee) cartilage in subjects suffering from mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee.
- Helps to reduce cartilage breakdown in subjects suffering from mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee.
- Helps to reduce key biomarkers of cartilage breakdown in subjects suffering from mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee.
- Helps to improve joint function in subjects suffering from mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee.
- Helps to improve/increase mobility when walking and stair-climbing in subjects suffering from mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee.
- Helps to support joint function capacity when walking and stair-climbing in subjects suffering from mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee.
- Helps to protect against the deterioration of cartilage in persons with mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee.
- A factor in maintaining healthy cartilage and/or joint health in persons with mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee.
- Helps protect against the deterioration of cartilage in persons with mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee and relieve joint pain associated with mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee.
- Helps to improve/increase mobility in those suffering from mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee.
- Helps reduce mild to moderate osteoarthritic knee joint pain when walking and climbing stairs.
A patented, low-dose, synergistic Boswellia serrata gum resin extract, AprèsFlex can be used as a standalone ingredient or be combined with other ingredients to power other joint health consumer brands. In a recent, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 80 participants (normal-to-overweight women and men between the ages of 40 and 75) received either 100mg/day of AprèsFlex or a matching placebo for six months. At the end of the trail period, subjects who had been given AprèsFlex experienced steady improvement in joint comfort, 25% less stiffness in the first month, a 72% reduction in stiffness at six months, 71% improvement in physical function at six months, and up to 70% reduction in pain.
President and CEO of PLT Health Solutions, Seth Flowerman, spoke on the significance of the new license: “With four gold-standard human clinical trials and counting, we are proud that AprèsFlex is one of the best substantiated joint health ingredients on the market today, powering some of the leading joint health consumer brands around the world,” he said.
CRN Shares Science in Session Agenda
From October 9th through the 11th, the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) will take over the Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake City for its annual CONVERGENCE event. This year, the theme for CRN's "Science in Session" scientific symposium will be "Living Well Longer: Bioactive Innovations for Health Aging." Presented alongside WellComms, the event will bring together scientists on topics including cognitive function, bone health, inflammation and obesity, hallmarks of aging, and present investigations of emerging research highlighting bioactives and longevity.
The 2024 Science in Session agenda includes:
- Hallmarks of aging: Novel opportunities for nutritional targets with Christiaan Leeuwenburgh, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Physiology and Aging, University of Florida.
- Connecting nutrient biomarkers, cognitive function, and brain health with Aron Barbey, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Psychology, Director, Center for Brain, Biology and Behavior, and the Decision Neuroscience Laboratory, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
- Effects of bioactives on molecular pathways in inflammation: Implications for obesity and liver health with Ji-Young Lee, Ph.D., FAHA, FACN, Professor and Head, Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Connecticut.
- Probiotic modulation of gut microbiota and bone health with Laura R. McCabe, Ph.D., MSU Foundation Professor, Department of Physiology, Michigan State University.
- Bioactives for estrogen-deficient skin in menopause with Edwin Lephart, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Brigham Young University.
- The anti-aging power of bioactives: A clinician’s perspective with Cheryl Burdette, N.D., Director of Education, Progressive Medical Center, Co-Founder, Dunwoody Labs.
“Our CRN team is looking forward to welcoming both members and non-members to CONVERGENCE ’24 in Salt Lake City as we explore new science and technological advances, celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act, and discuss the issues that will move the dietary supplement and functional food industry forward, inspired by thought-provoking speakers and the energy of coming together during such an important time,” shared CRN President & CEO Steve Mister. Registration and event details can be found here.
Natural Grocers Showcases Local Art
Family-operated organic and natural grocery retailer, Natural Grocers is teaming up with local artist and community advocate, Sara L. Smith, for a multi-stage, large-scale mural project. The artwork will be featured at the newest Natural Grocers store location in Nevada and highlight the unique flora and fauna of the Incline Village community.
"We started focusing on opening a store in Incline Village almost five years ago. As plans progressed, it became evident that we would have ourselves a large canvas... Natural Grocers is dedicated to fostering community engagement, and we strive to support local artists, anytime we can. Sara's vision not only adds a beautiful artistic element to our store but also encourages our customers to connect with the local environment and each other. Partnering with Sara aligns perfectly with our commitment to community, our focus on regenerative agriculture and our company's ecologically thoughtful practices and products," said Raquel Isely, Vice President of Marketing at Natural Grocers.
To celebrate the collaboration, Natural Grocers and Smith held an event on August 31 at the ground-level aspen grove sections at the front of the store. Members of the community who attended were asked to add something to the lower section of the project and add to the pieces uniqueness. "By coming together to create, we transform a simple project into a shared experience that reflects our collective spirit and creativity... Together, beautiful things are possible!" shared Smith.
Whole Foods Market Announces Accelerator Program Participants
Whole Foods Market introduced the participants of its 2024 Local and Emerging Accelerator Program’s Early Growth Cohort. Aahana’s, Bowlcut, Date Better Snacks, Edenesque, Freezcake, Geem, Maté Party, Sam + Leo, Sibeiho, and Tuyyo Foods will partake in the 12-week program, which offers brands the opportunity to gain placement on store shelves through expert guidance and a tailored curriculum.
At the end of the three-month project, participants' products will be considered for inclusion on Whole Foods Market shelves in their own cities or regional areas. Participants may also be eligible for a $25,000 equity investment from a donor-advised fund overseen by the Austin Community Foundation, with the funds supporting the Whole Foods Market Foundation through the work of Whole Cities, Whole Kids and Whole Planet.
Alyssa Vescio, Senior Vice President of Merchandising at Whole Foods Market, shared her thoughts on program, which was launched in 2022: “Our Local and Emerging Brands team is thrilled to have selected a mix of diverse founders and products from various backgrounds for this year’s Early Growth program track. Connecting with new brands and business owners who are hungry to grow allows our team to diversify product selection in stores, support small businesses, and stay committed to our local communities. We look forward to seeing these 10 brands strive for continued growth and carve their path to success through Whole Foods Market’s mentorship.”
PhytoGaia Attending VitaFoods Asia 2024
PhytoGaia will be participating at this year's VitaFoods Asia event in Bangkok, Thailand. From September 18-20, the NutraIngredients-Asia Start-Up Award finalist will be hosting guests at booth G45 and showcasing TocoGaia (Tocotrienols), STGaia (Plant Squalene), CaroGaia (Mixed-Carotene) and PetGaia (Palm Fruits Extract) phytonutrients—developed for applications ranging from human dietary supplements to functional foods, pet nutrition, and cosmetics. Attendees can take an in-depth look at the company's pioneering palm phytonutrients and other innovative solutions through samples of creative delivery systems including softgels, liquid capsules, konjac jelly, ready-to-drink beverages, oral dispersible films (ODF), and powdered supplements.
“VitaFoods Asia 2024 represents a remarkable opportunity to connect with industry peers and explore the latest advancements... We are particularly excited to highlight our branded ingredients - TocoGaia and STGaia, which are set to transform the beauty and personal care industries with their innovative benefits," said Dr. Ariati Aris, Scientific Affairs Specialist at PhytoGaia.
FrieslandCampina Ingredients Showcasing at VitaFoods Asia 2024
FrieslandCampina Ingredients will be attending VitaFoods Asia 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand from September 18-20. Show guests can stop by booth A31 and discover the brand's innovations in specialty nutrition including microencapsulated omega-3 powders, fermented and clear proteins, highly concentrated prebiotics, and new highly nutritious and sustainable ingredients and concepts made to inspire nutrition brands.
Attendees will be able to explore the brand's stick packs, ready-to-mix applications, new ready-to-drink (RTD) beverage using Biotis Fermentis, Nutri Whey Isolate Clear, and have first access to the brands new, algae-based, microencapsulated Biotis DHA Flex Powders. Joining the brand's Biotis portfolio, which already includes Biotis Lactoferrin, for natural immune support, and Biotis GOS-OP High Purity, a concentrated gut health prebiotic, effective at dosages as low as ≤2 grams, Biotis DHA FlexP 15 features a 15% DHA load for vegan formulations and Biotis DHA FlexP 20 a 20% DHA load for vegetarian applications, both encapsulated in a powder matrix which protects the DHA from oxidation to ensure a superior sensory profile with no ‘fishy’ taste or odor.
"Performance and active nutrition are driving progress in the APAC nutrition market. Our latest ingredients and innovations reflect this dynamism, supporting brands to create functional foods, drinks and supplements that go beyond traditional sports nutrition," shared Vicky Davies, Global Marketing Director, Performance, Active and Medical Nutrition at FrieslandCampina Ingredients.
Dsm-firmenich Receives Approval from UK and EU
Dsm-firmenich has received approval for its human milk oligosaccharide (HMO): 3-fucosyllactose (3-FL) and lacto-N-fucopentaose I/2'-fucosyllactose (LNFP-I/2'-FL) mixture as novel food ingredients in the United Kingdom and European Union. They have become the first and only supplier to receive approval for LNFP-I. These approvals create a new opportunity for the use of these HMOs in supplements for young children and infants and mark the first two HMO approvals assessed by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Food Standards Scotland (FSS) in post-Brexit UK.
As a result of its EU authorization, age restrictions for young children for milk-based drinks and similar products are no longer applicable. A separate age category for food for special medial purposes with distinct maximum levels for infants/young children and other age groups is also introduced. Dr Christoph Röhrig, Head of the Global HMO Regulatory Affairs team at dsm-firmenich, commented on the new approvals, "These authorizations reflect a growing understanding of HMOs' potential benefits in early life and beyond infancy, creating unprecedented opportunities for tailored nutrition solutions. From infant formula to adult supplements, we're now poised to explore various HMO blend solutions and applications that support nutrition and health throughout the lifespan."
Pharmachem Innovations is Now Independent
Pharmachem Innovations, LLC is now an independent company after the acquisition of the company from Ashland, Inc. by Turnspire Capital Partners LLC. The company, which is headquartered in Kearny, NJ, provides custom formulation and contract manufacturing services to the nutrition market and develops and produces a wide range of specialized nutraceuticals from its facilities in New Jersey, Utah, and Tamaulipas, Mexico for hydration, joint health, women's health, men's health, and cardiovascular health.
As the company embraces its independence, it will look to use its long standing name while adding “Innovations” to reflect its focus as an agile, capabilities-driven business. As an independent company with Turnspire’s support, we will be able to accelerate the Company’s growth through close partnerships with high-caliber customers and investments in new capabilities," shared newly named Executive Chairman of the Board, Maurice Murphy.
Nexus Wise Distributes Benicaros in Malaysia
NutriLeads BV has entered into a sales and marketing agreement with Nexus Wise to represent the company in Malaysia and expand the global distribution of its precision prebiotic, Benicaros. “We are excited to partner with Nexus Wise in Malaysia," said Joana Carneiro-Wakefield, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of NutriLeads. "The company’s strong marketing and technical expertise will help manufacturers create innovative wellness solutions with Benicaros.”
As a clinically proven gut and immune health ingredient for functional foods, beverages and supplements, Benicaros trains the immune system to respond faster, more efficiently, and stronger, while selectively increasing beneficial gut microorganisms and their metabolites—crucial to gut and overall health, the company says. “Benicaros is a truly unique product, and I believe that through our partnership, we have the potential to make a significant impact by incorporating Benicaros into innovative health solutions," shared Chris Tan, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Nexus Wise.
Fresh Roasted Coffee Goes Green
Eco-friendly coffee producer, Fresh Roasted Coffee, is installing a 750-kilowatt solar array system throughout its facility. The solar system installation will reduce the company's carbon footprint and power its 84,000 SF-production facility with clean, renewable energy. Other key points of the project include:
- Energy Efficiency Enhancements: A new roof installation with advanced insulation and a white top cover, improving overall energy efficiency and further reducing energy consumption.
- Timeline: The project is slated for completion by mid-September, with solar panels currently being installed.
- Impact: Once operational, the solar array will significantly reduce reliance on non-renewable energy sources, aligning with the company's sustainability practices and values.
Once complete, Fresh Roasted Coffee will be sharing video content of the installation process and overall impact of the project.
Chalcurb Receives EFSA Approval
EFSA has approved Chalcurb on the Union market as a novel food ingredient by the European Commission in the EU. All 27 EU member states have approved Japan Bio Science Laboratory's Chalcurb safety for use in food supplements at a dose of 35 mg per day.
Derived from the sap of the Ashitaba (Angelica keiskei) plant, which is native to Japan, Chalcurb contains at least 8% of two particular chalcone favonoids: xanthoangelol and 4-hydroxyderricin, and over 20 potent and rare chalcones (flavonoids). Recent human, animal, and in-vitro studies suggest it may have a wide range of positive effecgts on metaolic functions including the reduction of visceral fat, ghrelin, BMI, improvement of blood glucose, blood pressure, leptin and adiponectin sensitivity.
