Clasado Biosciences Earns Gold
WholeFoods Magazine honored gut microbiome prebiotic solutions manufacturer, Clasado Biosciences (Clasado), as its 2024 Natural Choice Awards: Ingredients Edition. Two of the company's products were recognized: Bimuno GOS + Probi Defendum in the Microbiome Support category and Bimuno GOS as a finalist for the Digestive Health Award. "We are delighted to receive this recognition from the Natural Choice Awards. A win in the Microbiome Support category underlines the significant potential of the Bimuno GOS + Probi Defendum concept in supporting nutritional product development, particularly as gut health continues to climb the public health agenda. It’s highly notable as one of the first proven synergistic relationship in a commercially available synbiotic concept, so it’s really laying down a strong foundation for the synbiotic category’s potential growth," shared Steven Riley, Head of B2B & Corporate Marketing at Clasado.
Bimuno GOS + Probi Defendum was developed in partnership with probiotic specialist, Probi AB, and is noted for its ability to selectively nourish beneficial gut bacteria, specifically lactobacilli. It also boasts a comprehensive scientific backing with more than 120 publications and over 20 clinical trials supporting its efficacy. The company's latest recognition highlights its commitment to advancing microbiome science and coming up with innovative, science-backed solutions for the global health and nutrition space.
CRN-I Hosts International Panel Discussion
The Council for Responsible Nutrition-International (CRN-I) hosted its annual "Food Is Medicine: The Role of Nutrition in Extending Healthspan" symposium on Sunday, September 29. The Maritim Hotel in Dresden, Germany, played host to the event, led by James C. Griffiths, Ph.D., Senior Vice President of International and Scientific Affairs at CRN, that brought together government officials, academic officials, academic leaders, and industry stakeholders to discuss the critical role nutrition plays in the improvement of health outcomes and extending feelings of good overall health.
Helene M. Langevin, M.D., from the National Institutes of Health (NIH); Lynnette Neufeld, Ph.D. of the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Andrew Shao, Ph.D. of ChromaDex; and Gary Williamson, Ph.D., from Monash University, Melbourne, Australia, were all in attendance discussing the impact of protein-rich diets on muscle function, the potential of dietary phytochemicals to enhance healthspan, and new findings on vitamin D from the VITAL and DO-HEALTH trials. Other sessions from the event included:
- The Nutrition Continuum and Whole Person Health – Helene Langevin, MD, National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH), USA
- Meals That Move You: The Importance of Protein for Muscle Mass and Function with Age – Daniel Moore, PhD, University of Toronto, Canada
- The Potential for Dietary Phytochemicals to Boost Healthspan – Gary Williamson, PhD, Monash University, Australia
- Vitamin D: Lessons Learned from Mega-Trials VITAL and DO-HEALTH – Heike Bischoff-Ferrari, PhD, University of Zurich, Switzerland
Tune in to the CRN-I website for highlights and a summary report from the event's proceedings.
Kyowa Hakko Shares Insights at SSW '24
Attendees of this year's SupplySide West trade show in Las Vegas can stop by booth 3765 to learn about the latest research behind Kyowa Hakko USA's premium, recently patented citicoline, Cognizin, and its full line of comprehensive branded ingredients including Cognizin citicoline, IMMUSE postbiotic for immune health, Setria glutathione, and EYEMUSE postbiotic for eye health. Product samples of XPO NRG, a limited-edition energy drink exclusive to SupplySide West 2024 featuring Cognizin, Goli Matcha Mind gummies, Olly Focus Buddies L'OLLY Pops, DO'MO Functional Elixirs, Mosh Protein Bars, Bobelo Immune Booster Elixir, and Lemme Focus Gummies will be available during the show.
"We are ecstatic to bring new research supporting the efficacy of Cognizinn to center stage at SupplySide West... We know understand at the genetic level how citicoline delivers its benefits and could have greater implications for long-term brain health," shared Katie Emerson, Senior Manager, Scientific Affairs.
On October 30, PricePlow, leader of the collaboration efforts between Kyowa and XPO NRG, will turn the Kyowa Hakko USA booth into a live recording studio for a podcast episode featuring interviews with industry experts.
Click here for our full pre-show coverage of SupplySide West.
Piping Rock Makes Acquisitions
Family-owned vitamin and nutritional supplement company, Piping Rock Health Products, has acquired four highly recognized health and wellness brands from The Clorox Company: RenewLife, Natural Vitality, NeoCell, and Rainbow Light. The recent purchase marks another milestone in the company's legacy of providing its consumers with the highest quality supplement products from the most trusted and well-known brands.
Michael Rudolph, President of Piping Rock, shared his enthusiasm for the company's latest addition: “We are thrilled to take ownership of RenewLife, Natural Vitality, NeoCell, and Rainbow Light. Our primary focus is to restore these brands to their authentic roots within the natural and health food store channel. We will be launching a range of new products and honoring the rich history of these brands by reintroducing popular items that have previously resonated with customers. We aim to rebuild these brands to their former prominence and beyond.”
Prinova Invests in New Jersey Facility
Prinova Aromas has transformed its facility in New Jersey into a state-of-the-art laboratory with streamlined logistics operations, enhanced essential oil processing. centralized global R&D, regulatory, and quality functions capabilities. The project, which took 2 years to complete, updated the facilities flavor and fragrance ingredients production and became fully operational in September.
“Our customers are the heart of our business, and this is all about enhancing the service that we’re able to offer them. They’ll benefit from world-leading technical capabilities, rigorous quality-control testing, improved distribution capacity and greater supply chain security. This is a truly global aromas HQ and we’re extremely proud of the work we’ve done together to build it," shared Bill Palagonia, President of Prinova Aromas.
Kimberton Whole Foods Readies its Largest Location
Independent, family-owned grocery store, Kimberton Whole Foods will begin construction on its largest Chester County location at Eagleview Town Center this month. Set to open in spring 2026, the 14,000 square foot grocery store will offer customers online shopping and curbside pickup products including a wide variety of fresh organic produce, grass-fed meats and dairy, specialty cheeses, natural and organic grocery staples, baked goods, supplements, body care products, and a full menu of wholesome grab-and-go meals like wraps, salads, sandwiches, heat-and-eat dinner entrees, sushi, and raw foods.
“Eagleview is the perfect location for our eighth store, allowing us to expand our family-owned company and widen our distribution of products from local farmers and food producers... We look forward to serving Eagleview and the surrounding communities with healthy, locally sourced grocery options in a customer-focused environment," shared Ezra Brett, Chief Operations Officer Kimberton Whole Foods. Kimberton’s Eagleview location will be centered at the heart of Eagleview Town Center. Currently, the brand operates stores in Collegeville, Douglassville, Downingtown, Kimberton, Malvern, Ottsville, and Wyomissing.
Birch Benders Gets a Refresh
Premium pancake and waffle mix brand, Birch Benders, is revealing its new modern aesthetic branding redesign to consumers. The rebranding initiative, which includes new packaging, an improved recipe with simplified ingredients and reduced allergens, and a revamped logo that still includes elements from their classic nature-themed scenery with fun-loving animal mascots, is now available at Whole Foods, Target, and Sprouts.
Chief Operating Officer, Dan Anglemyer, shared his thoughts on the refresh: “We wanted this exciting rebrand to resonate with the core of what Birch Benders stands for – delicious, simple, and fun... Our updated logo and packaging are designed to bring a fresh, vibrant energy to our products while honoring the whimsical elements that have been a hallmark of our brand."
Helaina Secures Series B Funding
Biotech company, Helaina, has reached $83 million in total equity funding after its latest round of Series B funding, led by Avidity Partners, raised $45 million. Additional investments from Spark Capital, Ingeborg Investments, Tom Williams of Heron Rock, Barrel Ventures, Siam Capital, Relish Works, CF Private Equity, and Primary Venture Partners were among the other strategic partners that contributed to the financing.
"This infusion of new capital marks the next phase of growth for Helaina in which we are accelerating the availability of our first ingredient through new partnerships – the result of years of work to drive innovation and scientific rigor within nutrition... At this pivotal moment in our company’s journey, we’re proud to partner with Avidity Partners, an investment firm with an outstanding reputation for supporting best-in-class biotechnology companies rooted in clinically-backed science," shared Laura Katz, CEO and Founder, Helaina.
Founded in 2019, Helaina developed effera Human Lactoferrin, an ingredient to support women's health, active nutrition and healthy aging. Effera, the first and only human equivalent bioactive protein for nutrition and use in functional foods, beverages, and supplements, supports iron homeostasis and metabolism, a balanced immune response, and promotes a beneficial microbiome. With its new funding, Helaina will accelerate the commercialization of its human bioactive proteins starting with effera, which will be available in several consumer products including Kroma Wellness, The Feed, Levelle Nutrition, Healthgevity and Mitsubishi International Food Ingredients, Inc.
Biohm Health Reveals New Brand Identity
Biohm Health, Inc. is highlighting its redefined company strategy focused on B2B solutions in the nutraceutical space with its new corporate brand identity—Biohm Technologies. The fresh new look and feel representing the company's commitment to the advancement of microbiome innovation for the benefit of consumers will be unveiled at this year's SupplySide West event taking place this month (click here for our preview of what to expect at SSW '24).
Based in Cleveland, Ohio, the company was founded in 2016 by Afif Ghannoum and his father, Dr. Mahmoud Ghannoum. Initially, the company focused on direct-to-consumer offerings around its clinically studied and data-driven BIOHM FX probiotic formulation. Since then, the company has increased its presence within the B2B space with the rebranding of its flagship probiotic blend BIOHM FX to Mycohsa. “Biohm’s data innovation and resulting probiotic ingredient formulations are well positioned to serve a broader audience through a variety of channels, and that’s been the driving force behind our shift towards amplifying our B2B offerings,” said Sam Schatz, CEO of Biohm.
Benicaros Wins 2024 Award
NutriLeads BV precision prebiotic Benicaros has been honored in the Established Ingredient/New Science category of the 2024 NIE New Ingredients Awards. Benicaros was honored this year for its groundbreaking clinical and preclinical research. Chief Executive Officer of NutriLeads, Joana Carneiro-Wakefield, Ph.D., shared her thoughts on the company's latest recognition: "Benicaros delivers a dual benefit by strengthening both the immune system and gut health... The balanced fiber complexity of Benicaros targets the beneficial microorganisms present in everyone’s gut microbiota, ensuring consistent and measurable health benefits.”
This latest recognition adds to the list of accolades received by Benicaros since its 2021 U.S. launch which includes:
- 2024 Ingredient of the Year – Microbiome Modulation category, NutraIngredients-USA Awards
- 2023 Best Product – Health Innovation category, World Plant-Based Innovation Awards
- 2022 Winner – Nutrition Research Project category, NutraIngredients-USA Awards
- 2022 – Benicaros was featured as an active ingredient in the Product of the Year (Stem & Root Daily Immunity from Bayer), immune support category, NutraIngredients-USA Awards
- 2022 Winner – Immune Health category, NIE New Ingredient Award
- 2021 Health Innovation Award – Food Ingredients Europe
